The Association of Resident Doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently address welfare concerns affecting medical personnel, particularly the non-payment of training funds and wage arrears.
In a letter addressed to the governor, the doctors acknowledged ongoing improvements in the state’s healthcare sector but said key welfare issues remain unresolved despite the administration’s investments.
“We commend your administration’s efforts in strengthening healthcare delivery across Oyo State. Your investments in infrastructure, improved access to medical services, and commitment to citizens’ welfare have positioned Oyo State as a model of progressive governance,” the letter stated.
The association expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in releasing the Medical Residency Training Fund, a statutory support package intended for doctors undergoing specialist training. It noted that resident doctors in the state have yet to benefit from the scheme years after its introduction.
“Eligible resident doctors in our institution have been excluded, resulting in financial strain, attrition of doctors to other facilities, and critical manpower shortages in departments such as Anaesthesia and Chemical Pathology, whose resident doctors have all departed due to poor remuneration,” the association said.
According to the doctors, the situation has contributed to workforce shortages and increased pressure on the remaining personnel.
“Timely disbursement of the MRTF is not merely a welfare issue; it is an investment in the future of healthcare in Oyo State,” the letter added.
The group also drew attention to outstanding minimum wage arrears, arguing that the delay has compounded the economic challenges faced by healthcare workers amid rising living expenses.
“Like other workers, resident doctors are grappling with inflation, rising transportation costs, and increasing household expenses. The shortfall in wage implementation has further weakened purchasing power and diminished motivation,” the letter stated.
The association warned that failure to address the concerns could further encourage the migration of skilled professionals from the state’s health sector.
“A well-supported healthcare workforce is indispensable to achieving your administration’s healthcare goals. Delays in addressing these obligations risk fuelling dissatisfaction, accelerating brain drain, and weakening the state’s ability to retain highly skilled medical professionals,” the letter said.
The doctors urged the governor to take immediate steps to clear the arrears, release the training fund and sustain engagement with health workers to improve service delivery across the state.
“Addressing these concerns promptly will not only improve staff welfare but also reinforce confidence in your administration’s dedication to equity, justice, and excellence,” the association stated.