The Association of Resident Doctors, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has threatened to embark on another strike if the Oyo State Government and hospital management fail to address its outstanding welfare demands.
The doctors said the suspended industrial action would resume on August 28, 2026, if the issues are not resolved before the deadline.
The association disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr John Stephen, on Thursday.
The resident doctors had suspended their previous industrial action on June 27 after agreeing to give the authorities an eight-week window to resolve their concerns.
According to the association, the decision to suspend the strike was made to preserve industrial harmony and prevent further disruption to healthcare delivery in the state.
However, the doctors said several key demands remained unresolved as the deadline approached.
Among their demands are the full implementation and payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund, implementation of the new Professional Allowance table, payment of outstanding minimum wage arrears and recruitment of additional resident doctors and other essential medical personnel.
The association said the welfare challenges confronting its members had become increasingly difficult.
“These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable,” the doctors said, adding that similar welfare provisions had already been implemented in other healthcare institutions.
The ARD also expressed concern over what it described as a serious shortage of medical personnel at the teaching hospital.
It said the shortage had increased the workload on the available doctors, resulting in prolonged and frequent call duties.
“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.
The doctors warned that the staffing crisis could negatively affect patient care and safety if left unresolved.
“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,” they said.
The association appealed to the Oyo 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,” the doctors said.
The resident doctors stressed that they preferred negotiation and engagement to industrial action, saying they were committed to maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services.
“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution,” the association stated.
However, the doctors warned that their patience was running out after giving the authorities eight weeks to act.
“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 read.
The ARD urged the hospital management and Oyo State Government to take immediate steps to resolve the issues and avert another disruption of medical services at the facility.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to the development of the teaching hospital, stressing that an adequately staffed and motivated workforce was necessary for the delivery of quality healthcare.
