Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) in Oyo State have officially embarked on an indefinite strike, citing unresolved issues with the state government and hospital management. The strike action, which began earlier this week, has disrupted healthcare services, leaving patients and families in uncertainty.
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at LAUTECH, in a statement released to the press, stated that their decision to down tools was prompted by persistent issues related to unpaid salaries, inadequate working conditions, and the non-implementation of agreed-upon welfare benefits for medical staff. The association has expressed frustration with the lack of meaningful engagement from the government and hospital authorities despite multiple requests for dialogue.
Several months of outstanding salaries have caused significant financial strain on resident doctors, with many unable to meet basic personal and professional obligations.
Concerns over insufficient medical supplies, overcrowded working environments, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure have been raised as major challenges affecting the delivery of quality care to patients.
Resident doctors have also highlighted the failure of the government and hospital management to fulfill promises regarding allowances, health insurance coverage, and other essential benefits.
The striking doctors have emphasized that the strike action is not taken lightly, but rather out of necessity to address the ongoing hardships faced by healthcare workers in the institution. The association has called for immediate intervention from both state and federal government officials to resolve the issues at hand.
In response to the strike, the Oyo State Ministry of Health expressed regret over the development and called for urgent talks with the resident doctors to find a resolution. However, no timeline has been set for these discussions.