Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have threatened to return to the picket line on August 28, 2026, if the Oyo State Government and the hospital management fail to address their outstanding welfare issues.
The Association of Resident Doctors, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Dr Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr John Stephen, said several of its demands remained unresolved.
The doctors had suspended their earlier industrial action on June 27 after allowing the authorities an eight-week window to address their grievances.
According to the association, the decision to suspend the strike was made “in good faith” to preserve industrial harmony and avoid affecting healthcare delivery across the state.
However, with the agreed period nearing its end, the doctors said important issues were still pending.
Their concerns include the full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund, the new Professional Allowance structure, payment of outstanding minimum wage arrears and the recruitment of more resident doctors and other essential medical workers.
The association also drew attention to the shortage of doctors at the Ogbomoso facility, saying the situation had placed excessive pressure on the available workforce.
“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 doctors said.
They added that the shortage had resulted in frequent and lengthy call duties for existing doctors, raising concerns about the possible impact on effective patient care.
“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 resident doctors appealed to the state government, particularly the governor, 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.
While stressing that it preferred negotiation to industrial action, the association said it could no longer continue waiting indefinitely.
“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution,” the association said.
The doctors subsequently gave August 28 as the date for resuming the suspended strike should their grievances remain unresolved.
“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 hospital management and Oyo State Government to use the remaining time to resolve the issues and avert another disruption of healthcare services at LTH Ogbomoso.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to the hospital, saying “a well-motivated, adequately staffed and properly supported workforce” was vital to delivering quality healthcare.
