Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have commenced an indefinite strike following the failure of the hospital management and the Oyo State Government to meet their longstanding demands.
The doctors, under the umbrella of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), had earlier suspended a month-long strike in April, hoping for resolution. However, after issuing a three-week ultimatum in early July, they resumed the industrial action on July 29, citing non-implementation of key demands.
According to a letter signed by ARD President Dr. Stephen Adedokun and Secretary Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, the decision to embark on a full-scale strike was taken after “exhausting all peaceful means of resolution.”
The unmet demands include the implementation of the new minimum wage and accrued arrears, disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund, recruitment of additional resident doctors, and renovation of doctors’ call rooms, among others
Dr. Adedokun told reporters that despite partial compliance; such as payment of some upgrade arrears, the core issues remain unresolved, with doctors working under worsening conditions.
“From over 270 doctors, the number has now dropped to fewer than 65 due to poor remuneration and lack of support. The LAUTECH teaching hospital is at the brink of collapse,” he warned.
The strike adds to growing concerns about Nigeria’s fragile health system, as similar unrest has been reported in other parts of the country.
The doctors insist they will not resume work until tangible actions are taken by the authorities to address their grievances and protect the future of medical training and healthcare delivery in the institution.
