The industrial action, commenced in August by resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, over welfare-related issues has entered its 32nd day.
The Association of Resident Doctors in the Hospital, said its demands included 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 stated this on Tuesday, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Mustapha Adedapo, and Secretary, Dr. John Stephen, stressing that the strike followed the expiration of an eight-week ultimatum already given to the government.
The doctors also acknowledged steps taken towards addressing some of their concerns, including efforts to establish the legal framework for the Medical Residency Training Act and the part payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund.
“The ongoing industrial action represents the resumption of an earlier suspended warning strike, following the expiration of an eight-week ultimatum issued to address the longstanding welfare crisis confronting resident doctors in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
We recognise these steps as important developments and remain hopeful that the outstanding components will be addressed expeditiously,” the association said.
The association said the Professional Allowance Table remained one of the issues requiring attention, adding that welfare conditions could influence the retention and movement of medical personnel.
Oyo State, despite its long-standing reputation as the Pace Setter State, remains the only state in the South-West yet to implement the Professional Allowance Table,” the doctors stated.
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.
The association said addressing the issues would support the retention of resident doctors and help create an environment capable of attracting specialist manpower.
“We therefore call on the Oyo State Government to take decisive steps to salvage this fortress of hope for thousands of citizens from further deterioration and loss of skilled manpower by implementing welfare packages that are competitive with what is obtainable in neighbouring states,” the doctors said.
“Ultimately, these measures will strengthen the capacity of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital to provide quality tertiary healthcare to the people of Oyo State and beyond,” the association added.
The resident doctors expressed optimism about resolving the industrial action through engagement with the government and other stakeholders, adding that it remained committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders towards resolving the industrial action.
“We remain optimistic that His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, with the goodwill and confidence that his administration enjoys, can bring about the necessary intervention to restore the strength, stability and agility of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso,” the association said.
PUNCH
