The strike action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has taken its toil on Nigerians especially pregnant women.
Several women who would have visited hospitals for delivery of their babies have taken to native delivery homes, while some were seen hanging around hospitals.
Hospitals are turning them back as the strike action continues, according to reports. At the Federal Medical Center, FMC, Asaba, Delta State, some of them were turned back on Tuesday and referred to private hospitals where they could find urgent care.
At the Obstetrics and Gynecology department of the hospital, stranded pregnant women were seen seated outside on long benches discussing their disappointments, while many others resolved to visit native delivery homes in Asaba and its environs.
Mrs Edith Nwake, a pregnant woman who spoke to our Correspondent at the FMC, Asaba, said “We are not happy with what is going on. Myself and three other women have resolved to go to native delivery homes for attention since we cannot afford to go to private hospitals.”
Reliable source said that since the beginning of the strike action, the premises, wards, and treatment centers of the FMC have been deviod of the presence of resident doctors.
A technician at the O& G theatre, who spoke to our correspondent said, “since the strike action began, we have not had much to do, we have not conducted any surgeries because there are no doctors available to carry out the process, as members of staff, we are expected to close daily by 4p.m but as it stands now, we leave the office even before 3p.m because we do not have work to do.”
READ ALSO: Strike Looms, As LAUTECH Doctors Issue 14-day Ultimatum To Oyo Govt
However, Madam Roseline Ikhu, a traditional birth attendant in Asaba is happy with the way things are. “We are working in line with the tradition, we care for pregnant women, and our charges are moderate. We will check them always, and know where there are problems, we give out herbs, and ensure that the herbs are properly taken as instructed, We have challenges with the doctors who do not see our works as useful.”
It was also gathered that native homes for delivery in the last few days have been a beehive of activities as the number of patronage has increased. Some women who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said they were enjoying the services of the traditional birth attendants. “We are enjoying their services during this strike action. Some of them are very good and professional. We have no regrets patronizing native delivery homes because our mothers went through this process and nothing happened to them.”
However, Dr. Monday Osarenkhoe, a consultant at the FMC Asaba, who spoke to The Next Edition was not happy with the turn of events in the last few days.
He advised pregnant women to be wary of where they are seeking services from as something bad could come out of it. “Pregnant women are taking a risk and whatever happens to them, no remedy, the native home delivery practitioners are not qualified, and whatever they are doing is unprofessional.”
Meanwhile, two pregnant women in the early hours of Wednesday were delivered of their babies around Summit road Asaba, while they were being taken to the private hospitals by their husbands on Tricycles.
Husband of one of the women, Mr. Ifeanyi Michael said “it was inside Tricycle that my wife delivered her baby and no complications. She is well and fit and the baby too is doing well.”
