The Association of Resident Doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso has threatened to restart its suspended industrial action on August 28, 2026, if the Oyo State Government and hospital management do not address its outstanding welfare demands.
On Thursday, the group issued a statement signed by President Dr. Adedapo Mustapha and General Secretary Dr. John Stephen.
The doctors had paused their strike on June 27, giving the hospital management and relevant authorities an eight-week period to address their concerns.
According to the organization, the suspension was done “in good faith” to promote industrial unity, encourage the institution’s success, and minimize disruptions in healthcare services for Oyo State people.
However, the ARD stated that some crucial concerns remain unsolved as the agreed-upon period comes to an end.
The outstanding demands include the complete implementation and disbursement of the medical residency training fund, the revised professional allowance table, payment of minimum wage arrears, and the immediate recruitment of resident doctors and other important personnel.
The association stated that the welfare situation at the hospital had become increasingly difficult, emphasizing that the expectations were neither excessive nor unjustified.
“These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable,” the doctors said, noting that several of the welfare packages had been implemented in other healthcare institutions for years.
The ARD also expressed worry over the severe shortage of medical personnel at LAUTECH Ogbomoso, saying the situation had left the available doctors overworked and overstretched.
“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.
It noted that prolonged and frequent call duties had increasingly become the norm for the few doctors available.
The doctors warned that the manpower shortage could jeopardize patient care and safety.
“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,” the statement said.
The group called on the Oyo State Governor and appropriate government officials to promptly act and rectify the issues.
“We particularly appeal to the governor to safeguard the future of LTH Ogbomoso and salvage the increasingly critical situation within the institution by ensuring the prompt resolution of these outstanding welfare concerns,” it said.
The doctors stated that they had no wish to interrupt healthcare services or annoy state residents, instead preferring communication and a mutually beneficial conclusion.
“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue, and a mutually beneficial resolution,” the association said.
However, it warned that its patience had limitations, noting that it had previously exhibited prudence by halting the earlier strike and allowed sufficient time to address the issues.
“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 hospital management and the Oyo State Government to take action before the deadline to prevent further disruptions to medical services at LAUTECH Ogbomoso.
The association emphasized the importance of a well-motivated, adequately staffed, and properly supported workforce in achieving these objectives.
