The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State is facing a crisis, with only 22 out of 150 resident doctors left due to unpaid entitlements, leading to a 14-day warning strike.
President of ARD, John Matthew, expressed concern over the dwindling doctor count, attributing it to the government’s failure to pay seven months’ salary arrears. He cited poor welfare and lack of entitlement payment as reasons for doctors seeking employment elsewhere.
“We demand full payment of salary arrears, February 2024 palliative for house officers, and February hazard allowance. The severe clinical manpower shortage must be urgently addressed,” said Mr. Matthew, highlighting the critical situation.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had previously pledged to resolve health sector issues, including paying outstanding entitlements and recruiting more health workers. However, if salaries remain unpaid, ARD threatens to escalate the strike, further paralyzing healthcare services at the state-owned medical facility.
