LAUTECH Doctors Threaten Fresh Strike

Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LTH), Ogbomoso, have threatened to resume industrial action on August 28, 2026, if the Oyo State Government and hospital authorities fail to address outstanding welfare and staffing concerns.

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LTH Ogbomoso, issued the warning in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr. John Stephen, on Thursday.

The doctors had suspended their previous strike on June 27 after agreeing to give the hospital management and relevant authorities eight weeks to resolve their demands.

According to the association, the decision to suspend the action was taken “in good faith” in order to preserve industrial harmony, support the institution’s development and prevent further disruption to healthcare delivery in Oyo State.

However, with the eight-week period nearing its end, the doctors said several key issues remained unresolved.

Among their outstanding demands are the full implementation and payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund, adoption of the new Professional Allowance table, settlement of minimum wage arrears and the recruitment of additional resident doctors and other essential medical personnel.

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The association expressed concern over the deteriorating welfare situation at the teaching hospital, insisting that its demands were reasonable and necessary for the effective functioning of the institution.

“These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable,” the doctors said, noting that several of the welfare provisions being requested had already been implemented in other healthcare institutions.

The ARD also identified inadequate manpower as a major challenge confronting LTH Ogbomoso.

It said the shortage of medical personnel had placed excessive pressure on the doctors currently working at the hospital, with some required to undertake frequent and prolonged call duties.

“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.

The doctors warned that the staffing crisis was not only affecting their working conditions but could also pose risks to the quality and safety of healthcare services provided to patients.

“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 association appealed to Oyo State Governor and other relevant authorities to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.

“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 stressed that they preferred negotiation to industrial action and did not want their dispute with the authorities to affect patients who depend on the hospital for medical care.

“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution,” the association said.

However, the ARD warned that continued inaction could leave it with no option but to return to the suspended strike.

It said the earlier suspension of the industrial action demonstrated the doctors’ willingness to give the authorities sufficient time to resolve 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 association urged the Oyo State Government and hospital management to use the remaining period to address the outstanding issues and avert another disruption of medical services at LTH Ogbomoso.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the teaching hospital and quality healthcare delivery, stressing that “a well-motivated, adequately staffed and properly supported workforce” remained essential to achieving those goals.