LAUTECH resident doctors threaten fresh strike over unpaid demands

Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have threatened to resume their suspended industrial action on August 28, 2026, if the Oyo State Government and hospital management fail to address their outstanding welfare demands.

The Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, disclosed this in a statement signed by its President, Dr Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr John Stephen, on Thursday.

The doctors suspended their earlier strike on June 27 after granting the hospital management and relevant authorities eight weeks to resolve their grievances.

The association said the suspension was made in good faith to preserve industrial harmony and prevent disruption of healthcare services in the state.

However, it said several key demands remained unresolved as the deadline approached.

Among the outstanding issues are the full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund, implementation of the new Professional Allowance table, payment of minimum wage arrears and urgent recruitment of resident doctors and other critical medical personnel.

The doctors said the demands were reasonable, noting that similar welfare provisions had already been implemented in several other healthcare institutions.

They also expressed concern over the severe shortage of medical personnel at the hospital, which they said had left the available doctors overworked.

“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 association said.

According to the doctors, the shortage has resulted in prolonged and frequent call duties, raising concerns about the quality and safety of patient care.

“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,” they said.

The association appealed to Oyo State Governor and other relevant authorities to intervene urgently and resolve the issues before the deadline.

It said its preference remained dialogue and constructive engagement, stressing that it had no intention of disrupting medical services or causing hardship to residents.

The doctors, however, warned that their patience was running out after giving the authorities eight weeks to act.

“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 said.

The ARD urged the hospital management and state government to take decisive steps to avert another disruption of healthcare services at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

It maintained that adequate staffing, improved welfare and a motivated workforce were essential to sustaining quality healthcare delivery at the institution.