Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, are now in the 32nd day of their industrial action, driven by unresolved welfare-related issues. The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the institution has outlined several key demands that include the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table, the payment of outstanding Medical Residency Training Funds, and the settlement of six months of Minimum Wage arrears.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the association, led by President Dr. Mustapha Adedapo A. and Secretary Dr. John Stephen, indicated that the current strike follows the expiration of an eight-week ultimatum given to the state government to address these pressing concerns. The doctors emphasized that this industrial action is a resumption of a previously suspended warning strike, reflecting the ongoing dissatisfaction with the welfare conditions at the hospital.

The ARD acknowledged some progress made by the state government in addressing their concerns, particularly regarding the establishment of a legal framework for the Medical Residency Training Act and partial payments of the Medical Residency Training Fund. However, they stressed that significant issues remain unresolved, particularly the Professional Allowance Table, which they noted has yet to be implemented in Oyo State, the only state in the South-West region without this crucial policy.

The doctors expressed that the welfare conditions of medical personnel are vital for retaining skilled staff and ensuring the quality of healthcare services at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. They warned that the ongoing loss of skilled manpower could jeopardize both residency training and the hospital's ability to provide specialized healthcare services.

In their statement, the doctors urged the Oyo State Government to take decisive action to prevent further deterioration of the situation. They called for competitive welfare packages that align with those in neighboring states, asserting that such measures are essential for attracting and retaining qualified medical professionals.

The ARD also highlighted the hospital's role as a referral center providing specialized services in areas such as orthopaedics, urology, paediatrics, and obstetrics. They reiterated the importance of maintaining adequate skilled manpower to uphold the quality of healthcare delivery in the region.

Furthermore, the association expressed optimism about resolving the strike through dialogue with the government and other stakeholders. They appealed to the Governor of Oyo State, expressing confidence that his administration could facilitate the necessary interventions to restore stability at the hospital.

The ongoing industrial action has garnered support from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which warned that failure to address the issues could lead to broader regional and national strikes. NARD has reiterated similar demands for the payment of Medical Residency Training Funds, the implementation of the corrected Professional Allowances Table, and the settlement of Minimum Wage arrears.

As the strike continues, the future of healthcare delivery at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital hangs in the balance, with both patients and healthcare professionals anxiously awaiting a resolution to this pressing crisis.