Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have resumed an indefinite strike over unmet demands.
The Association of Resident Doctors had earlier suspended a month-long strike on April 8, 2025, after receiving assurances from the hospital management and Oyo State Government.
However, citing unmet agreements, including non-payment of the new minimum wage and arrears, the association declared a fresh strike on July 29.
In a follow-up letter signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Adedokun, and General Secretary, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, the doctors stated, “Despite an ample window of engagement granted over the past three months and three weeks, we hereby declare a total and indefinite industrial action.”
The association noted that although some progress had been made, critical issues remained unresolved. These include the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of accoutrement allowance, recruitment of resident doctors across departments, and renovation of call rooms.
“The congress acknowledges the management’s efforts in addressing parts of its demands… however, it regrets the continued non-implementation of critical outstanding demands,” a letter dated July 8 read.
The doctors accused the state of implementing the minimum wage for other healthcare workers while excluding LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff, leading to mass resignations and staffing shortages.
Speaking with newsmen on the development, Dr. Adedokun warned that the hospital was on the brink of collapse, with the number of resident doctors plunging from nearly 270 to fewer than 65.
“We remain committed to dialogue and resolution, but will not resume duty until tangible and acceptable steps have been taken to address our demands,” he said.
In a July 4 open letter to Governor Seyi Makinde, the doctors described the situation as dire, blaming poor remuneration and lack of government support for the hospital’s dwindling workforce and deteriorating services.
