Makurdi — Dozens of patients were stranded yesterday at the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi, Benue State following the strike action embarked upon by federal medical workers seeking payment of their monetization arrears. The strike which entered its second day yesterday was observably severe at the hospital which serves as the only secondary health institution in the state.

Our correspondent who visited the centre observed that its gates were locked against patients as union officials prevented patients and visitors from gaining entrance.

Although a few medical workers including doctors were allowed access into the facility, they were mostly observed holding discussions in groups.

Those who spoke to Daily Trust said they showed up on request by the hospital management. The head of the clinical services at the centre, Dr. Jenrola Adesina confirmed in a chat with newsmen that only skeletal services were being offered.

He also claimed that "the situation is firmly under control,we had anticipated that the strike is going to cripple quite a number of activities, so we made widespread consultation with union leaders, the Red Cross, the police and other security agencies. And as of now, we have a number of centres still working, offering skeletal services."