By Simeon OSAJIE
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), led by its National President Dr. (Prof.) Afekhide Ernest Omoti has urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently resolve ongoing welfare issues for doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso to avert a preventable healthcare crisis.
In a statement issued weekend in Abuja, Prof. Omoti expressed deep concern over the Oyo state government’s failure to fulfill mutually agreed commitments, calling on the Governor to personally intervene and ensure the immediate implementation of these resolutions for the benefit of the state’s healthcare system.
The NMA President expressed grave concern over the lingering and unresolved welfare challenges confronting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, noting that,” At this critical juncture, the NMA respectfully calls on His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State, to personally intervene and ensure the immediate implementation of the outstanding agreements and legitimate demands of ARD LAUTECH Ogbomoso.
“Such decisive intervention is necessary to avert further escalation and prevent a potentially avoidable disruption of medical services in Oyo State and beyond.”
According to the NMA, the demands include the immediate payment of the State Minimum Wage arrears as implemented from January 2025, payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all eligible resident doctors and the implementation of the Corrected Professional Allowances Table
Other demands, the NMA President stated, are the implementation of the Call/Work-Hour Regulatory Policy and the prompt payment of upgrade arrears to affected members
“These are not mere administrative requests. They are legitimate welfare and workplace concerns that directly affect the well-being of doctors and, ultimately, the quality and safety of healthcare delivery.
“Burnout is real from excessive workload. Poor remuneration is equally real from failure to honour agreements. Work fatigue and an overstretched workforce have direct implications for clinical performance, patient safety and health outcomes.
“A healthcare system cannot thrive when those entrusted with saving lives are themselves pushed beyond sustainable limits. The NMA therefore believes that the prompt implementation of these outstanding commitments will not only bring an end to the current industrial dispute but will also significantly boost the morale, motivation and productivity of these young men and women who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity.” Prof. Omoti said.
Prof. Omoti said that the leadership of NMA is aware that advocacy has been employed extensively since early this year to resolve these challenges. “The recurrent notices, engagements and approximately three months of restraint displayed by the leadership and members of ARD LAUTECH Ogbomoso demonstrate remarkable professionalism, patience and respect for due process. However, formal advocacy without corresponding government action cannot continue indefinitely.
“The legitimacy of these demands can not be overemphasized. More importantly, agreements freely entered into must be honoured, while legitimate commitments made to healthcare professionals must be implemented in a timely and transparent manner, “Prof. Omoti said.
The NMA President said that the Nigerian Medical Association firmly stands in solidarity with the Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Ogbomoso, and calls on all relevant stakeholders to do the needful towards achieving a swift, fair and sustainable resolution of the impasse.
While expressing solidarity with the doctors, the national President of the NMA commended the restraint and professionalism demonstrated by the Oyo State NMA Branch throughout the period and called on the State leadership to sustain its advocacy and engagement until all outstanding demands are comprehensively resolved.
Prof. Omoti said that the NMA remains committed to constructive dialogue, responsible advocacy and strategic partnership with the Oyo State Government stressing that, “We are prepared to work with the Government and all relevant stakeholders to achieve sustainable and lasting solutions that protect the welfare of doctors while ensuring uninterrupted and quality healthcare delivery to the people of Oyo State.”
He added that the health of the people of Oyo State must remain paramount just as the welfare of the doctors entrusted with protecting that health must, therefore, not be treated as an afterthought.