Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Makurdi, Benue State — The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has made a public appeal to the state’s governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to intervene urgently in a lingering dispute that has crippled healthcare services at the facility and threatens further disruption if unresolved. The appeal comes amid an ongoing industrial action by resident doctors that has entered its second month, significantly affecting patient care and routine operations at one of the state’s key health institutions.
The doctors, led by their BSUTH chapter President, Dr. Kawen Pededoo, have repeatedly called on Governor Alia to help broker a timely and lasting resolution to the issues underpinning the strike. In statements to journalists and at hospital premises, the association outlined longstanding welfare concerns — especially around poor accommodation and substandard living conditions within the hospital’s staff quarters — as core grievances that must be addressed to enable them to return to work.
The dispute has escalated sharply following a decision by the hospital’s management to issue a three-month notice directing striking resident doctors to vacate their official residential quarters. The move, announced by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Hwande, was presented as necessary to allow for an extensive renovation project aimed at upgrading facilities at BSUTH, part of broader government efforts to reposition the hospital as a one-stop medical centre capable of meeting international standards. However, the directive has added urgency to calls for political intervention and intensified the standoff between hospital personnel and authorities.
In making their appeal, the resident doctors acknowledged past efforts by the state government while emphasizing that repeated industrial actions have slowed progress toward improving health infrastructure and service delivery at the hospital. They argued that without swift and concrete steps from the governor’s office to resolve the impasse, the ongoing disruption could have far-reaching consequences for patients and the broader healthcare system in the state.
The doctors have specifically urged the government to address issues related to welfare packages, accommodation standards and other concerns that have been at the heart of their demands. According to their representatives, a negotiated settlement would not only end the strike but also accelerate efforts to transform BSUTH into a world-class health institution — a goal both medical professionals and state officials have publicly supported.
The industrial action at BSUTH reflects broader tensions affecting medical professionals across Nigeria as resident doctors nationwide have at times engaged in industrial actions over welfare, remuneration and working conditions. The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), to which the BSUTH chapter belongs, has in recent days been involved in high-level negotiations with federal authorities over similar grievances affecting multiple teaching hospitals, although recent national developments have seen planned strike actions suspended following government engagement.
Healthcare stakeholders say the crisis at BSUTH underscores the fragile state of medical services when key health workers withdraw their labour without imminent pathways to resolution. Patients at the facility and in surrounding communities have reported disruption of routine services and increased pressure on remaining healthcare personnel, a situation residents warn could worsen if the dispute drags on.
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has previously outlined commitments to improving health infrastructure in Benue State, including investments in diagnostic equipment, expanded staff recruitment, and development of specialised treatment centres. However, the current impasse highlights the gap between policy ambitions and frontline service delivery realities that authorities must navigate.
As appeals to the governor continue, observers are calling for renewed dialogue and negotiated settlements that not only address immediate concerns but also strengthen institutional mechanisms for preventing recurrent disruptions in public health facilities. In the meantime, residents and patient groups remain hopeful that political leadership combined with constructive engagement from healthcare professionals can restore normal operations at BSUTH without further delay.
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