The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has backed resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
NARD warned that the dispute could lead to regional or nationwide industrial action if the authorities fail to resolve the doctors’ demands.
The resident doctors have been on strike for seven days. They are demanding better welfare, payment of outstanding allowances and improved working conditions.
The doctors have several demands from the Oyo State Government and the hospital management.
They want the government to pay minimum wage arrears dating back to January 2025. They also want the Medical Residency Training Funds and outstanding professional allowances.
The doctors are also asking the hospital to pay upgrade arrears owed to some members.
NARD said the doctors gave the authorities several chances to resolve the issues.
The doctors first issued a two-week notice. They later began a five-day warning strike.
The hospital management and its board appealed to the doctors. The doctors then suspended the action.
They later gave the authorities another eight-week deadline. However, NARD said the deadline passed without a satisfactory solution.
The NARD President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, called on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene.
He urged the governor to address the outstanding issues and improve the welfare of the doctors.
NARD also raised concerns about staff shortages at the hospital. The association said the shortage has increased the workload on doctors.
It also complained about poor call-room facilities and other working conditions.
NARD said solving the dispute would improve doctors’ welfare. It would also help the hospital provide better healthcare services.
NARD warned that the dispute could escalate if the authorities fail to act.
The association said it would continue discussions with the relevant authorities.
However, it stressed the need for urgent action to prevent a wider strike.
The warning now puts pressure on the Oyo State Government and LAUTECH management to resolve the dispute.
A quick resolution could prevent further disruption to healthcare services at the hospital and beyond.
