By Chioma Obinna
Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, was on Thursday thrown into disruption as medical consultants under the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) commenced an indefinite strike over the dismissal of their chairman and alleged government insensitivity to their demands.
The industrial action has led to a total shutdown of clinical services, residency training, and academic activities, leaving patients stranded and medical training suspended across the facility.
In a statement issued after an emergency congress meeting, MDCAN DELSUTH chapter said the strike followed what it described as the “victimisation” of its chairman and the government’s failure to comply with earlier agreements reached with the association.
The statement, signed by the Vice-Chairman, Dr. Enemuwe Ibobo Mike, and Secretary, Dr. Nwajei Ifeanyichukwu Anita, said the decision became necessary after the dismissal was reviewed and found to be inconsistent with previous understandings with authorities.
In a formal notice titled “Notification of Total and Indefinite Strike Action” dated June 18, 2026 and addressed to the Acting Chief Medical Director, the consultants condemned the action, describing it as “vilification and victimisation” of both their chairman and the association.
MDCAN said the strike would remain in force until the dismissal is reversed and key issues affecting the institution are addressed. It stressed that its members “will not be bullied or intimidated.”
The association also raised concerns over worsening working conditions at the teaching hospital, citing prolonged power outages and water shortages that reportedly lasted up to 48 hours.
Among its demands are the appointment of a substantive Chief Medical Director, constitution of a functional governing board for DELSUTH, and implementation of revised professional allowances approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission since July 2024.
“The fulfillment of these conditions represents the minimum requirements for peaceful resolution and the suspension of the strike action,” the statement added.
The notice was copied to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, commissioners for health and higher education, the Head of Service, the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, and other stakeholders.
The development is expected to severely affect healthcare delivery in the state as consultants withdraw services indefinitely.
