A young medical doctor identified as Dr Innocent has spoken out about the difficult situation he and his colleagues are facing at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar, Cross River State.

As a house officer, Dr Innocent revealed that he and other doctors have not received any salary for 290 days, that is nearly 10 months of work without pay.

The young doctors say they continue to attend to patients daily despite the hardship.

According to Dr Innocent, the Ministry of Defence has refused to pay their salaries for no clear reason. He described the situation as unfair and likened their treatment to working like slaves while receiving nothing in return. The doctors feel abandoned, with no one to speak up or fight for their rights in the face of this prolonged delay.

The Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital serves both military personnel and civilians in the region, making the unpaid doctors’ situation even more concerning. House officers play a vital role in the healthcare system, and working without pay for such a long period can affect their morale and the quality of care they provide. Many have expressed shock at the length of time these young professionals have gone without compensation.

Dr Innocent’s courage in speaking out has highlighted the silent suffering of many health workers in similar positions. The doctors are appealing to the relevant authorities to resolve the issue and pay them what they are owed. Their story has sparked conversations about the welfare of medical personnel and the need for timely salary payments in public institutions.

As the situation continues, there are calls for the Ministry of Defence to address the matter urgently. The young doctors hope that their voices will be heard and that justice will be done. For now, they remain committed to their duties while enduring the financial hardship caused by the prolonged delay in payment.

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