The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has expressed concern over the prolonged industrial action by resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The strike, which has lasted over 30 days, has been described as detrimental to healthcare delivery in the state. According to SSACO, the strike has raised concerns about the welfare and working conditions of medical personnel in Oyo State.
The organisation stated that the grievances of the resident doctors include the payment of outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), six months' minimum wage arrears, and other welfare-related entitlements. SSACO criticised the Oyo State Government for not addressing these issues, leading to the prolonged strike. The strike has forced patients to seek alternative medical treatment or endure prolonged delays in accessing care.
The Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State (AMDO) has also issued a 21-day warning strike over unresolved issues relating to welfare, remuneration, and conditions of service. SSACO expressed concern that the situation could worsen, with medical workers being compelled to embark on industrial action over issues that could be resolved through dialogue between the government and the affected health workers.
SSACO criticised Governor Seyi Makinde for not engaging with the striking resident doctors to find a lasting solution to their demands. The organisation stated that the prolonged strike has led to resident doctors feeling maltreated, while the masses bear the brunt of the government's insensitivity. Healthcare delivery is a critical service that requires urgent attention from the government.
The organisation emphasised that healthcare occupies a priority position in Senator Sharafadeen Alli's Oyo AHEAD agenda. Under this programme, health workers and other civil servants will not be denied their entitlements. They will also enjoy training and retraining, and have facilities to work with. This approach is expected to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
SSACO warned that continued industrial action in the health sector could have serious consequences for patients who depend on public hospitals for specialised and affordable medical services. The organisation urged the Makinde administration to engage the striking doctors and address their grievances. Urgent action is needed to restore normal medical services at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and prevent further disruption across the state's health sector.
The prolonged strike has had adverse effects on healthcare delivery, with patients being forced to seek alternative medical treatment or endure prolonged delays in accessing care. SSACO's criticism of the Oyo State Government highlights the need for a resolution to the strike. The organisation's concerns about the welfare and working conditions of medical personnel in Oyo State are valid and require attention from the government.
Key points
- - The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation criticises the Oyo State Government over the 30-day industrial action by LAUTECH doctors. - The strike is over issues including payment of outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund and minimum wage arrears. - The organisation urges the government to engage the striking doctors and address their grievances to restore normal medical services.
