Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have expressed frustration over poor remuneration, manpower shortages and the lack of official engagement from the Oyo State Government as their indefinite strike enters another phase.
The industrial action, which began on August 28, followed the expiration of an eight-week ultimatum earlier issued to the government and relevant stakeholders. The doctors had previously suspended a warning strike in June after receiving assurances that their concerns would be addressed.
President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Dr Adedapo Mustapha, said members remain disappointed that no formal communication has been received from the state government since the strike commenced.
According to him, resident doctors have continued to shoulder increasing workloads under difficult conditions while receiving remuneration they consider inadequate. He noted that verbal assurances from health officials had not translated into concrete action.
Among the key demands of the doctors are the payment of outstanding minimum wage arrears, promotion arrears and accoutrement allowances. They are also seeking implementation of the approved professional allowance for doctors, recruitment of additional resident doctors and the release of funds for medical residency training.
The association further called for improved welfare facilities, including the renovation of call rooms and the introduction of work-hour regulations aimed at reducing burnout among medical personnel.
Dr Mustapha stressed that the issues raised by the association extend beyond staff welfare and directly affect patient care. He warned that persistent manpower shortages could compromise healthcare delivery in Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities that rely on the teaching hospital for specialised medical services.
The strike comes amid broader concerns about healthcare workforce retention in Nigeria, with many doctors leaving the country in search of better working conditions and improved career opportunities abroad.
The association has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to personally intervene and facilitate a resolution that would allow doctors to return to work while ensuring sustainable improvements in the healthcare system.
