Following the nationwide strike embarked upon by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, in Bauchi has scaled down its operations to provide only emergency services.
The move came as the state chapter of NLC joined the industrial action.
Our correspondent who visited the teaching hospital yesterday observed that few medical practitioners were seen attending to patients.
The areas visited are the maternity, male surgery, gynaecology, male medical wards popularly known as ‘Sani Sami’ and paediatric ward, among others.
A staff at the pediatric ward who refused to disclose his identity told our correspondent that routine activities are ongoing with some patients admitted in the morning.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Usman Koli, stated that management has been instrumental in ensuring that emergency services continue, adding that it is closely monitoring the strike.
However, many public offices remained locked with leaves placed at their main gates, indicating full participation in the strike within Bauchi metropolis.
Both the state and federal secretariats were under lock, including all banks in the state.
Customers who visited various banks were turned away.
Speaking with journalists at the state secretariat, the Acting Chairman of NLC, Ibrahim Mai Kudi, said they received a circular from the national union that they should ensure total compliance.
He said NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, expressed concern and disappointment over the federal government’s failure to conclude and pass into law, a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the hike in electricity tariff.
