Ondo Doctors declare three-day warning strike

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Medical doctors employed by the Ondo State Government, under the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), have declared a three-day warning strike set to begin on Monday, July 14, 2025.

The doctors announced the strike in protest against what they described as the state government’s gross neglect of the health sector and disregard for the welfare of medical professionals.

In a statement signed by the state chairman, Dr Richard Obe, and the secretary, Dr Adekunle Owolabi, the NAGGMDP outlined several pressing grievances:

  • Severe shortage of doctors, with some general hospitals operating with only one doctor per local government area.

  • A sudden increase in taxation from April 2025 without prior consultation.

  • Non-payment of salaries and allowances to eight newly employed doctors since October 2024.

  • Unpaid hazard allowances for October to December 2023 and January 2024.

  • Outstanding promotion arrears from June to December 2024.

  • Salary shortfalls and unpaid allowances affecting several members.

The association demanded urgent action from the government, including:

  • Immediate recruitment of more doctors across the state.

  • Full payment of all salary arrears and statutory allowances.

  • Reversal of the recently implemented tax increase.

  • Payment of owed hazard allowances and promotion arrears.

  • Settlement of all outstanding salaries and benefits owed to new recruits.

The doctors warned that if the government failed to meet these demands during the warning strike, they would commence an indefinite strike, which could further cripple the state’s already overstretched healthcare system.

Despite the action, NAGGMDP assured the public of its commitment to healthcare delivery, stating that its members could no longer work under such dire conditions.

The association noted that it had earlier issued a 14-working-day ultimatum to the state government, which expired on July 1, 2025, without any meaningful response.