Doctors at LAUTECH issue strike warning amid unfulfilled requests

The Association of Resident Doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has set a deadline of August 28, 2026, for the Oyo State Government and hospital management to meet its outstanding welfare demands, threatening to resume industrial action if they fail to do so.

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This ultimatum was issued in a statement signed by the association's President, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr. John Stephen, on Thursday, following the suspension of their industrial action on June 27.

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The suspension was granted to allow the hospital management and relevant authorities an eight-week period to address the doctors' concerns, a move made "in good faith" to maintain industrial harmony and prevent disruption of healthcare services to Oyo State residents.

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However, with the agreed period drawing to a close, the association notes that several critical issues remain unresolved, including the full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund.

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Other outstanding demands include the implementation of the new Professional Allowance table, payment of minimum wage arrears, and urgent recruitment of resident doctors and other critical manpower, which the association deems neither excessive nor unreasonable.

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The doctors argue that these demands are not outrageous, pointing out that several of the welfare packages have been implemented in other healthcare institutions for years.

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The association has also raised concerns over the severe shortage of medical personnel at LTH Ogbomoso, which has left available doctors overworked and overstretched.

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The hospital's gross manpower shortages, coupled with the inability to attract and retain resident doctors, have been exacerbated by the prevailing welfare conditions, the association said.

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Prolonged and frequent call duties have become the norm for the few available doctors, a situation that could have implications for patient care and safety.

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The welfare of healthcare workers is intricately linked to patient safety, quality of care, and the sustainability of healthcare services, the doctors warned.

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The association has appealed to the Oyo State Governor and relevant government authorities to intervene urgently and resolve the outstanding issues.

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The doctors have specifically urged the governor to safeguard the future of LTH Ogbomoso by ensuring the prompt resolution of the outstanding welfare concerns.

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While the association has expressed its preference for constructive engagement, dialogue, and a mutually beneficial resolution, it has warned that its patience has limits.

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The doctors have demonstrated restraint by suspending the earlier strike and allowing sufficient time to address the issues, but they will resume industrial action on August 28, 2026, if the demands remain unresolved.

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The ARD has urged the hospital management and Oyo State Government to take decisive action before the deadline to avert another disruption of medical services at LTH Ogbomoso.

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The association remains committed to the progress of the hospital and the provision of quality healthcare, emphasizing that a well-motivated, adequately staffed, and properly supported workforce is essential to achieving those objectives.