Medical services at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have been severely disrupted after the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) declared an indefinite strike.
The strike, which began at 12 a.m. on March 7, 2025, follows the doctors’ frustration over unmet demands, including unpaid wages, poor working conditions, and a lack of essential resources.
In a memo dated March 6, 2025, addressed to the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, the ARD outlined their grievances and announced their decision to halt services until their concerns are addressed. The memo was signed by ARD President Dr. Stephen Adedokun and General Secretary Dr. Adedapo Mustapha.
The Reason Behind the LAUTECH Doctors’ Strike
The resident doctors listed several unresolved issues, including: Non-payment of the new minimum wage, which has already been implemented for other health workers in Oyo State, a significant shortfall in February salaries and unauthorized deductions for insurance indemnity, dilapidated call rooms and a severe shortage of medical personnel, non-payment of accoutrement allowance, upgrade arrears, and refunds for examination and update courses, failure to disburse the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
The doctors are demanding an immediate refund of the February salary shortfall, implementation of the new minimum wage with arrears, urgent repairs to call rooms, recruitment of additional resident doctors, and settlement of all outstanding allowances.
Impact of the Strike on LAUTECH Teaching Hospital
The indefinite strike has brought medical services at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital to a standstill, leaving patients without critical care. The hospital, a major healthcare provider in Oyo State, is now grappling with the fallout of the strike, which has further strained its already limited resources.
The ARD has called on the Oyo State government and hospital management to act swiftly to address their demands. They stressed that the strike will continue until their grievances are resolved, urging authorities to prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers and patients alike.
