In a bold move aimed at drawing attention to their plight, the Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State has initiated a 14-day warning strike due to the non-payment of seven months’ salaries to their new members.
Taking their grievances to the forefront, members of the association staged a mini protest on the hospital premises, declaring their resolve to disrupt activities at the government-owned medical facility until their demands are met.
Dr. John Matthew, President of the UNIMEDTH ARD, expressed deep concern during the protest, highlighting the dire situation faced by their members who are yet to receive their entitled salaries.
“We demand full payment of the arrears of salaries owed to our members and payment of February 2024 palliative to our House Officers,” Dr. Matthew asserted. “Additionally, the management should promptly disburse the February hazard allowance to our members and urgently address the severe clinical manpower shortage in the institution.”
He further emphasized the critical need to address the ongoing exodus of medical personnel, stressing, “Our members work every day. There are no staff due to the Japa syndrome.”
The strike action comes amidst calls from the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association urging the government to tackle the issue of resident doctor shortages in state-owned hospitals, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to address the systemic challenges facing healthcare professionals in the state.
As the standoff intensifies, the fate of healthcare delivery in Ondo State hangs in the balance, with stakeholders anxiously awaiting a resolution to the impasse between the doctors and the government. Stay tuned for further developments as the situation unfolds.