Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have warned that they may return to industrial action on August 28, 2026. This will happen unless their welfare and staffing concerns are addressed.
According to The Punch, the Association of Resident Doctors at the hospital issued the warning on Thursday in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr John Stephen.
The doctors had suspended their previous strike on June 27. They gave the hospital management and Oyo State Government eight weeks to resolve their demands. The association said it took the decision “in good faith” to maintain industrial peace and avoid disrupting healthcare services.
However, with the deadline approaching, the doctors said several issues remain unresolved. Their demands include full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund. In addition, they want the implementation of the new Professional Allowance table and payment of minimum wage arrears.
They are also demanding the urgent recruitment of more resident doctors and other essential health workers. This is to address what they described as a serious manpower shortage.
LAUTECH doctors raise alarm over staff shortage
The association said poor welfare conditions were making it increasingly difficult for the hospital to attract and retain doctors. As a result, the available medical personnel are under intense pressure.
“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.
It added that prolonged and frequent call duties had become common because too few doctors were available to handle the workload.
The doctors insisted that their demands were reasonable and had already been implemented in several other health institutions.
“These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable,” the association said.
It warned that the situation goes beyond the personal welfare of doctors. The association argued that an overstretched workforce could also affect the quality and safety of 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.
Doctors seek governor’s intervention
The association appealed to the Oyo State Governor and other relevant authorities to intervene before the deadline. They want action to prevent another shutdown of medical services at the teaching hospital.
“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.
Despite the warning, the doctors maintained that they would prefer dialogue rather than another disruption of services.
“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution,” the association said.
It, however, warned that the suspension of the earlier strike should not be interpreted as an indefinite extension for the authorities.
“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 doctors said.
The association said adequate staffing, improved welfare and proper support for health workers remained necessary. These steps are needed for the hospital to provide sustainable and quality healthcare services.
