Doctors To Makinde: Meet Our Demands Or Face Fresh Strike

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has threatened to resume its suspended strike on August 28 if the Oyo State Government and the hospital management fail to address its outstanding welfare demands.

The doctors said they suspended the industrial action on June 27 after giving the hospital management and relevant authorities an eight-week window to resolve the issues. According to the association, the decision was taken “in good faith” to preserve industrial harmony, support the institution’s progress and avoid disrupting healthcare services across the state.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by its President, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr. John Stephen, the association said several key demands remain unresolved as the deadline approaches.

According to the ARD, the outstanding issues include the full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund, implementation of the new Professional Allowance table, payment of minimum wage arrears, and the urgent recruitment of resident doctors and other critical personnel.

The association also expressed concern over the welfare of its members, insisting that its demands were reasonable and had already been implemented in other health institutions.

“These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable, several of the welfare packages had been implemented in other healthcare institutions for years,” the association said.

The doctors also raised concerns about the shortage of medical personnel at the hospital.

“The Hospital is experiencing gross manpower shortages, while the inability to attract and retain resident doctors is further worsened by the prevailing welfare conditions.”

They warned that the staffing shortage could undermine patient care and the quality of healthcare services.

“This is not merely a matter of doctors’ personal comfort. The welfare of healthcare workers is intrinsically linked to patient safety, quality of care and the sustainability of healthcare services,” the association said.

The ARD appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde and other relevant authorities to intervene before the August 28 deadline.

“We particularly appeal to the governor to safeguard the future of LTH Ogbomoso and salvage the increasingly critical situation within the institution by ensuring the prompt resolution of these outstanding welfare concerns,” it said.

The association maintained that it preferred dialogue and had no desire to disrupt healthcare services or inconvenience residents. It, however, warned that it would return to strike if its demands remained unmet.

“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution. We therefore wish to state clearly that if these outstanding demands remain unresolved, the Association shall resume its suspended industrial action effective 28 August 2026,” the statement said.