LAUTECH doctors set conditions to end strike
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Association of Resident Doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso (ARDLTH), has outlined conditions for ending its ongoing industrial action. The doctors, who embarked on an indefinite strike last week, are demanding the Oyo State government address several unresolved issues affecting their welfare and working conditions.
Despite their protests, ARDLTH stated on Wednesday that the state government has yet to respond to their demands. The doctors’ grievances include the non-payment of the minimum wage, despite its implementation for other health workers in the state, and a significant shortfall in their February salaries, which breaches an earlier agreement with management. Other concerns include the deduction of insurance indemnity without their consent, the neglect of repairs for dilapidated call rooms, and severe manpower shortages across all departments.
Further demands involve the non-implementation of accoutrement allowances, delays in the payment of upgrade arrears, pending reimbursements for examinations and training, and the non-payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund. These issues, according to the union, have persisted despite repeated appeals and discussions with relevant authorities.
There are indications that the strike will only be called off if the government demonstrates a firm commitment to fulfilling their demands. The ARD President, Dr. Stephen Adedokun, hinted at this in an interview with WESTERN POST on Wednesday, stressing that the final decision rests with the state governor.
Dr. Adedokun emphasized that what the union seeks is not just meetings but concrete resolutions. He pointed out that the governor’s direct intervention is necessary to provide assurances that would convince the doctors to resume work. According to him, while the Ministry of Health has made efforts, they remain insufficient because the governor has been largely inaccessible.
“All communications have been over the phone. They are aware of our plight. Minimum wage deliberations were concluded in January, and other health workers in the state have started benefitting, but for us, they claim it awaits subvention increment—pending the governor’s approval,” Adedokun explained.
He further stated that the doctors have repeatedly sought a direct meeting with the governor to expedite resolutions. “The statistics speak for themselves. My colleagues are not happy. Our demands are not capital-intensive—almost everything has already been budgeted for in the 2025 financial year. We are only asking for the release of funds,” he said.
“We waited eight months last year before our hazard allowance was released, and that only happened after a two-month industrial action. The union has had enough of being sidelined. We will continue to push until our voices are heard, and we are confident that positive change will come soon,” he added.
