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Resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo town have embarked on an indefinite strike over what they describe as deteriorating working conditions. The strike, declared by the local chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), follows the hospital management’s alleged failure to address their grievances, including illegal salary deductions, excessive taxes, and non-payment of hazard allowances.
Speaking on the matter, ARD President Dr. Olaogbe Kehinde highlighted the immense workload faced by doctors due to a mass exodus of staff. He noted that many colleagues had resigned or left without notice, driven by dissatisfaction with the working environment. “Doctors can no longer work under conditions that compromise their well-being and patient care,” he said, calling for immediate government intervention.
The doctors’ demands include payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, a review of welfare packages, and parity in salary payments with other tertiary hospitals. Former ARD President Dr. John Matthew emphasized the disparity in salaries between Ondo State and other states like Ogun, which offer better welfare packages. “Illegal deductions and humongous taxes are killing the system and driving doctors away,” he stated.
Matthew also revealed that the hospital faced infrastructural challenges, including disconnection from the national grid, leaving doctors to work in darkness. “The system is collapsing, and we will not return to work until our demands are met,” he added, stressing that financial reforms were crucial to retaining medical professionals.
Chief Medical Director Dr. Gbala Michael has appealed for more time to address the doctors’ grievances, acknowledging the critical issues raised. However, the striking doctors insist that only tangible actions will bring them back to work, as they deeply regret any inconvenience caused to patients.
