The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has expressed full support for resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The doctors are currently on strike over unpaid welfare and remuneration issues.

Friday marked the seventh day of the industrial action by members of the Association of Resident Doctors at LAUTECH Ogbomoso. NARD warned that if the issues are not resolved, the dispute could spread to regional and national levels.

The problems have been ongoing since last year. The local doctors earlier gave the Oyo State Government a two-week notice, followed by a five-day warning strike that was later suspended.

They then issued an eight-week ultimatum, which expired without the demands being met.

The doctors are seeking payment of Medical Residency Training Funds, outstanding minimum wage arrears, corrected professional allowances, a new policy on workload and work hours, and upgrade arrears. NARD said most of these fall under the state government, while one is the responsibility of the hospital management.

The association described the working conditions at the hospital as difficult, citing understaffing, unpaid arrears and poor facilities. It appealed directly to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene quickly, stressing that further escalation can still be avoided if the outstanding agreements are implemented.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper