Resident doctors in Ondo State have launched an indefinite strike, citing poor working conditions and inadequate welfare packages as the primary reasons for their action. The strike, which began on Tuesday, follows a protest staged by the doctors on Monday against the management of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo, where they accused the hospital authorities of ignoring their demands.
The doctors, under the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), highlighted several issues fueling the strike, including illegal salary deductions, exorbitant taxes, and the non-payment of hazard allowances. They also expressed concerns over the increasing workload, which has been exacerbated by the mass resignation of colleagues seeking better opportunities due to harsh working conditions.
Dr. Olaogbe Kehinde, the President of UNIMEDTH ARD, spoke to journalists in Akure, the state capital, explaining that many doctors had left the hospital without prior notice, driven by the challenging conditions of service. He emphasized that despite repeated calls for a review of their working conditions, management had failed to address these critical issues.
“We have been pushed to the wall. Many of our colleagues have left, and those of us still here are dealing with an overwhelming workload,” Kehinde said. “We demand the correction of salary irregularities, the implementation of the new minimum wage scale, and salary parity with other tertiary hospitals as stipulated in the hospital’s constitution.”
Dr. John Matthew, the immediate past President of ARD at UNIMEDTH, added that the disparity in salaries compared to neighboring states, such as Ogun, and the heavy financial burdens caused by illegal deductions and excessive taxes had worsened the situation. He noted that many doctors had left Ondo State in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
“We will not return to work until our demands are met. This is a matter of survival,” Matthew said, further lamenting the dire conditions, including a period when the hospital was disconnected from the national power grid, forcing staff to work in darkness.
In response, Dr. Gbala Michael, the Chief Medical Director of UNIMEDTH, appealed for patience from the striking doctors, assuring them that the management was committed to resolving the issues but would need more time to address their grievances.
“We understand their concerns and are committed to resolving these issues,” Michael said. “However, we request more time to implement the necessary changes.”
The strike has left many patients in distress, as services at the hospital have been severely affected. The doctors, however, have expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and vowed not to return to work until their demands are met.
