Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, have been on industrial action for 32 days. The strike is over welfare-related issues, including the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table, payment of outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund, and settlement of six months of Minimum Wage arrears. The Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, said the strike followed the expiration of an eight-week ultimatum.
The resident doctors' association acknowledged steps taken by the government towards addressing some of their concerns. These include efforts to establish the legal framework for the Medical Residency Training Act and the part payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund. However, the association remains hopeful that the outstanding components will be addressed expeditiously. The doctors also emphasized that welfare conditions could influence the retention and movement of medical personnel.
Oyo State is the only state in the South-West yet to implement the Professional Allowance Table, according to the Association of Resident Doctors. The association said LAUTECH Teaching Hospital provides specialised services in orthopaedics, urology, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, while serving as a referral centre for patients within and outside the state. Maintaining adequate skilled manpower is crucial to the hospital's provision of specialised healthcare and residency training.
The continued loss of skilled manpower poses a significant threat to the sustainability of residency training and the hospital's ability to provide specialised healthcare services. The doctors called for the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table, full payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund, and settlement of the outstanding six-month Minimum Wage arrears. Addressing these issues would support the retention of resident doctors and help create an environment capable of attracting specialist manpower.
The Association of Resident Doctors urged the Oyo State Government to take decisive steps to address the issues and prevent further deterioration and loss of skilled manpower. The doctors expressed optimism about resolving the industrial action through engagement with the government and other stakeholders. They also called on the state government to use its reputation as the Pace Setter State to promote higher standards in healthcare and medical training.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors expressed solidarity with the LAUTECH doctors and warned that failure to resolve the issues could lead to regional and national industrial action. The resident doctors' association remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders towards resolving the industrial action. The strike has entered its 32nd day, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Key points
- The resident doctors are demanding the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table, payment of outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund, and settlement of six months of Minimum Wage arrears.
- Oyo State is the only state in the South-West yet to implement the Professional Allowance Table.
- The strike has entered its 32nd day, with the resident doctors remaining committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders.
