Medical association warns Oyo govt: address welfare crisis or face fresh shutdown of teaching hospital services
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has threatened to resume its suspended industrial action on August 28, 2026, if the Oyo State Government and hospital management fail to resolve outstanding welfare demands.
In a statement signed by President Dr. Adedapo Mustapha and General Secretary Dr. John Stephen on Thursday, the doctors expressed frustration over the lack of progress since they suspended their strike on June 27, granting an eight-week grace period for authorities to address their concerns.
The association said the suspension was done “in good faith” to maintain industrial harmony, support institutional progress, and prevent disruption of healthcare services to residents of Oyo State. However, with the agreed period nearing its end, several critical issues remain unresolved.
The Unmet Demands
The doctors are demanding:
· Full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund
· Implementation of the new Professional Allowance table
· Payment of minimum wage arrears
· Urgent recruitment of resident doctors and other critical manpower
The association stressed that these demands were “neither outrageous nor unreasonable,” noting that several of the welfare packages had already been implemented in other healthcare institutions for years.
Manpower Crisis Deepens
The ARD raised alarm over the severe shortage of medical personnel at LTH Ogbomoso, stating that available doctors are 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 statement read.
The doctors warned that prolonged and frequent call duties had increasingly become the norm for the few available doctors, with implications for 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,” the association emphasized.
Appeal to Governor
The doctors appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and relevant authorities to urgently intervene, saying: “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.”
Final Warning
While maintaining that dialogue remains their preferred approach, the doctors warned that patience had limits.
“We therefore wish to state clearly that if these outstanding demands remain unresolved, the Association shall resume its suspended industrial action effective 28 August 2026,” the statement declared.
The ARD urged decisive action before the deadline to avert another disruption of medical services, stressing that “a well-motivated, adequately staffed and properly supported workforce” was essential to quality healthcare delivery.
