Healthcare services in Ondo State have been thrown into disarray as resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) declared an indefinite strike over what they described as poor working conditions and neglect by the hospital management.
The doctors, under the aegis of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), expressed frustration over unresolved issues, including unpaid hazard allowances, illegal deductions from salaries, and excessive taxation. They also decried the lack of infrastructure and overwhelming workloads caused by the mass resignation of colleagues.
Dr. Olaogbe Kehinde, ARD President, stated that the strike was a last resort after repeated calls for improved conditions were ignored. “Doctors are overburdened, and patient care is suffering as a result. Many of our colleagues have left due to these issues, and those remaining are stretched thin,” he said.
The doctors are demanding immediate implementation of a new minimum wage, correction of salary irregularities, and improved welfare to match that of other tertiary hospitals. They also called for urgent upgrades to hospital facilities, noting instances of doctors working in darkness due to power outages.
Former ARD President Dr. John Matthew highlighted the stark difference in pay between Ondo and neighboring states as a major concern. “Doctors are leaving because of poor welfare and high taxes. Neighboring states like Ogun offer much better conditions, which makes it hard to retain professionals here,” he explained.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Gbala Michael, has appealed to the striking doctors for more time to resolve their grievances. However, the doctors insist they will not return to work until their demands are met, leaving patients and the state’s healthcare system in limbo.
