LAUTECH: Resident Doctors Threaten Fresh Strike Over Unmet Demands

The association which made this known in a statement jointly signed by its president, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, and general secretary, Dr. John Stephen, on Thursday, had suspended their strike on June 27, giving the hospital management and relevant government authorities an eight-week window to address their grievances.

According to the association, the decision to suspend the strike was taken “in good faith” to preserve industrial harmony, support the progress of the institution and prevent disruptions to healthcare services across Oyo State.

However, the doctors said several key issues remain unresolved as the deadline approaches.

The doctors were demanding the full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund, implementation of the new Professional Allowance table, payment of minimum wage arrears, and the urgent recruitment of resident doctors and other critical healthcare personnel.

The association described the welfare conditions at the teaching hospital as increasingly unbearable, insisting that its demands were reasonable.

“These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable. Several of these welfare packages have already been implemented in other healthcare institutions for years,” the statement read.

The doctors also expressed concern over the acute shortage of medical personnel at the hospital, saying the situation had left the few available doctors overworked and overstretched.

“The hospital is experiencing gross manpower shortages, while the inability to attract and retain resident doctors is further worsened by the prevailing welfare conditions,” the association said.

It added that prolonged and frequent call duties had become routine because of the shortage of personnel.

The statement warned that the manpower crisis could ultimately affect patient care and safety.

“This is not merely a matter of doctors’ personal comfort. The welfare of healthcare workers is intrinsically linked to patient safety, quality of care and the sustainability of healthcare services.

“We particularly appeal to the governor to safeguard the future of LTH Ogbomoso and salvage the increasingly critical situation within the institution by ensuring the prompt resolution of these outstanding welfare concerns,” it stated.

The doctors reiterated that they had no desire to disrupt healthcare services or inconvenience residents of the state, maintaining that dialogue remained their preferred option.

“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution,” the statement said.

However, the association stressed that its patience was wearing thin, noting that it had already demonstrated restraint by suspending its earlier strike and allowing sufficient time for the issues to be resolved.

“We, therefore, wish to state clearly that if these outstanding demands remain unresolved, the association shall resume its suspended industrial action effective August 28, 2026,” the doctors warned.

They urged the hospital management and the Oyo State Government to take immediate action before the deadline to prevent another disruption of medical services at the hospital.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the institution and the delivery of quality healthcare, stressing that “a well-motivated, adequately staffed and properly supported workforce is essential to achieving those goals.”