The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo State, has initiated a 14-day warning strike due to the non-payment of seven months' salaries to their new members. Members of the association, who held a mini-protest on the facility's premises on Tuesday, have threatened to disrupt activities at the government-owned medical facility if their demands are not met.
Dr. John Matthew, the President of the UNIMEDTH ARD, expressed dismay over the non-payment of their members' salaries and entitlements. He emphasized the need for the full payment of the arrears of salaries, the payment of February 2024 palliative to House Officers, and the payment of February hazard allowance to their members. Dr. Matthew also urged the management to urgently address the severe clinical manpower shortage in the institution, noting that the Japa syndrome has contributed to the lack of staff.
The state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association has also called on the state government to address the shortage of resident doctors in state-owned hospitals. The strike action highlights the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers in the state and the urgent need for government intervention to address these issues.
