NARD backs LAUTECH hospital doctors, threatens nationwide strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has shown solidarity with resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, who are on strike over issues of welfare and remuneration. This is the seventh day of the industrial action. NARD warns that if the issues are not resolved, it could spark further regional and national industrial action.

The strike began three months ago with a two-week notice given to the Oyo State Government. Since then, the doctors have engaged in a five-day warning strike and now a seven-day industrial action. The main demands of the NARD include payment of Medical Residency Training Funds, payment of State Minimum Wage arrears, implementation of the Professional Allowances Table, regulation of excess workload/work hours, and payment of upgrade arrears.

The association attributes these demands to the Oyo State Government, while the hospital management is responsible for payment of upgrade arrears. NARD highlights the poor working conditions, including severe understaffing, unpaid arrears, unfulfilled allowance promises, and deteriorating call rooms. The association appeals to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene and resolve the issues, warning that further regional and national actions could be taken if the demands are not met.