Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike in Ondo Over Poor Working Conditions

• Ondo Doctors Strike Over Poor Conditions and Salary Issues
• Demands Include Stop to Salary Deductions and Hazard Allowance
• Doctors Cite Pay Disparities and Infrastructure Challenges at UNIMEDTH

Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo town chapter, have embarked on an indefinite strike due to alleged poor working conditions.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the doctors initiated the protest on Monday after the hospital management refused to meet their demands. Key issues raised include illegal salary deductions, excessive tax payments, non-payment of hazard allowances, and the need for a review of their working conditions.

Dr. Olaogbe Kehinde, President of UNIMEDTH ARD, expressed that the workload was overwhelming for the doctors, leading to several resignations and unscheduled departures.

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He emphasized that the hospital management had not addressed their concerns regarding the working environment, which led to the difficult decision to strike.

Kehinde stated that doctors could no longer continue working under conditions that compromised both their well-being and patient care. He called on the state government to expedite the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, improve working conditions in the state’s three healthcare centers, and implement their demands promptly.

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The doctors are also seeking the correction of salary irregularities, the implementation of the new minimum wage, and salary parity with other tertiary hospitals, as outlined in the hospital’s constitution. They expressed regret over the inconvenience the strike may cause to patients and the public.

Dr. John Matthew, a former president of the striking doctors, highlighted the significant salary disparity between Ondo State and other states, citing illegal deductions and high taxes as driving factors behind doctors leaving the state.

He noted that many had taken appointments in other states offering better welfare packages. Matthew further pointed out the hospital’s disconnection from the national grid, forcing doctors to work in poor conditions, including inadequate lighting.

In response, Dr. Gbala Michael, the Chief Medical Director of UNIMEDTH, appealed for more time to address the grievances and resolve the issues raised by the striking doctors.

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