Medical doctors under the umbrella of the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) in Ondo State have commenced a three-day warning strike, citing the state government’s neglect of the health sector.

The industrial action, which began on Monday, has disrupted services in public hospitals across the state.

In a joint statement signed by the association’s state chairman, Dr. Richard Obe, and secretary, Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, the doctors expressed frustration over the worsening shortage of medical personnel, revealing that some hospitals operate with just one doctor serving an entire local government area.

They also decried the failure of the government to pay salaries and allowances to eight doctors employed since October 2024, as well as a recent hike in taxation implemented in April 2025 without prior consultation.

Additional grievances include the non-payment of hazard allowances for the months of October to December 2023 and January 2024, outstanding promotion arrears from June to December 2024, and salary shortfalls affecting other members of the association.

The doctors warned that if their demands are not met, they may resort to an indefinite strike that could severely paralyze the already struggling healthcare system in the state.

Their demands include the immediate recruitment of more doctors across the state’s 18 local government areas, payment of all outstanding entitlements, reversal of the new tax regime, and settlement of overdue promotion arrears.

The association noted that it had earlier issued a 14-working-day ultimatum to the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, but the government failed to take action.

Responding to the situation, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, said steps are already being taken to resolve the issues.

“We’ve begun payment of the outstanding arrears as directed by the governor, and efforts are ongoing to address the doctors’ concerns,” Odimayo stated.

Addressing the staffing shortage, he added, “The government has advertised and hired available candidates. If they know qualified doctors who are willing, let them bring them forward—we are ready to employ them. The government cannot manufacture doctors.”