NARD backs LAUTECH doctors, warns of indefinite strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has thrown its support behind resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso. NARD issued a stern warning that the ongoing industrial dispute could escalate into an indefinite strike if the Oyo State government fails to promptly address the doctors’ outstanding welfare and remuneration concerns. The association expressed "profound concern" over the worsening labor dispute, urging immediate government intervention to avert a complete collapse of healthcare services at the tertiary hospital.

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profound concern

NARD stated that while the hospital's board and management have made some efforts, these measures fall "significantly short" of resolving the core issues. The resident doctors resolved to continue their two-week warning strike, with the action automatically escalating to an indefinite strike if their demands remain unmet. The association described the situation as "deeply unfortunate and entirely avoidable," highlighting that unresolved issues center on doctors' welfare, remuneration, residency training, and working conditions, all of which directly impact healthcare delivery in Oyo State.

The doctors' demands include the immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and the enactment of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA). They also seek the implementation of a new professional allowance, payment of outstanding 2025 accoutrement allowance, settlement of minimum wage and upgrade arrears, and the recruitment of additional resident doctors and medical officers. NARD emphasized that these are fundamental issues affecting staff welfare, workforce retention, training, and patient care, requiring urgent attention.

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significantly short

Despite the industrial action, NARD commended the LAUTECH resident doctors for temporarily suspending their strike for two days to provide care to abducted schoolchildren and their teachers following their release. The association recognized this as a demonstration of the doctors' commitment to essential services even amidst their own struggles for better working conditions and fair compensation.

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deeply unfortunate and entirely avoidable