NARD BACKS LAUTECH HOSPITAL DOCTORS, THREATENS NATIONWIDE STRIKE

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has expressed solidarity with resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, who are currently on strike over outstanding welfare and remuneration issues.

The national body said Friday marked the seventh day of the industrial action by members of the Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Ogbomoso.

NARD warned that failure to resolve the issues could lead to regional and national industrial action, stressing that the escalation could be avoided by implementing the doctors’ outstanding demands.

The resident doctors had protested on Wednesday over manpower shortages, unpaid minimum wage arrears, unfulfilled allowance commitments and poor working conditions.

According to NARD, the issues have lingered since last year despite several notices and warning strikes issued to the Oyo State Government.

The association said the doctors initially gave the government a two-week notice, followed by a five-day warning strike that was suspended after appeals from the hospital management and its board.

It added that another eight-week ultimatum was issued to resolve the issues, but the deadline elapsed without any tangible action.

The demands include payment of Medical Residency Training Funds, minimum wage arrears, implementation of the corrected Professional Allowances Table, the new policy on excess workload and work-hour regulation, as well as payment of upgrade arrears.

NARD also raised concerns about severe understaffing and dilapidated call rooms, warning that poor working conditions could affect healthcare delivery.

The association appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene and resolve the dispute, warning that failure to do so could trigger regional and national action.

NARD said the escalation was unnecessary and could be prevented through the implementation of already agreed outstanding issues.