The Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, has appealed to striking resident doctors to honour their agreement with the state government and return to work.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, August 11, 2025, Dr. Hwande assured that both the hospital management and the Benue State Government are committed to maintaining peace and cooperation in the health sector.

He clarified that the strike is not over unpaid salaries but linked to the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) — a yearly financial package to support the training of resident doctors. According to him, Governor Hyacinth Alia approved and released the 2024 MRTF in December last year, earning recognition from the ARD as the first governor in Nigeria to disburse the fund promptly.

While acknowledging concerns over the 2025 MRTF, Dr. Hwande noted that the year is still ongoing and payment processes are already underway with the relevant authorities.

He added that hospital services remain active, with Consultants, Medical Officers, and House Officers attending to patients in the Accident and Emergency Unit, General Outpatient Department, and VIP Smart Clinic.

The CMD urged the doctors to put patient welfare first and resume duties while discussions continue to resolve the matter amicably.