Strike (update)
By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, April 20, 2018 (NAN) The ongoing industrial action by health workers in the country is taking its toll on petty business activities within and around the premises of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH) Bauchi, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Some petty traders, as well as commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators conducting business in the area, told NAN on Friday that they were losing a lot as the patronage of their wares and services had declined tremendously.
They said that the hospital premises was no longer a ‘beehive’ of activities as was the case before the strike, with few or no customers to patronize their goods or services.
Malam Abdullahi Aliyu who sells recharge card and other accessories in front of the hospital, said the situation was unbearable.
“Our major customers are patients and their relations, as well as other visitors; now that the patients are not there, there is almost nobody to buy from us.
.“Before the strike, I was making not less than N40,000 daily but since the strike commenced, it dropped to N10,000.
“The hospital has different staff that include nurses, auxiliary staff, translators, cleaners, attendants and even students, but the place is almost empty now”, he lamented.
Maruf Alhassan, a commercial tricycle operator also said that the strike had reduced patronage of their service.
“Whenever there are activities in this hospital, you will see not less 100 tricycles parked, waiting for passengers; you can count only few now.
“That is to tell you that business is no longer as usual; before the strike I was making up to N4000 daily but since the strike started, the maximum I made was N1000,” he said.
Some commercial motorcycle operators who spoke to NAN narrated the same ordeal, saying they were facing trying period.
Asiru Ibrahim who sells fruits in front of ATBUTH gate, lamented that absence of patients and the staff, saying the situation was affecting his business.
“We are patronised by patients, their relations and staff of the hospital; they have all left because of the strike and it has taken a toll on our business.
“We are appealing to government to resolve the matter; patients are suffering but those of us who are not patients but conduct business here are also suffering.
“I can assure you that if the situation is prolonged, some of us in business here may develop hypertension and also join the patients,” he said. (NAN)
MAK/ASH/ASH