Doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo State, have embarked on an indefinite strike, citing deplorable working conditions, unpaid allowances, and irregular salary deductions as key grievances.
On Monday, members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) staged a protest to express frustration over the hospital management’s failure to address their longstanding demands. They allege the situation had driven many doctors to resign or leave without notice, leaving the few remaining staff overwhelmed and overburdened.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the ARD President, Dr. Olaogbe Kehinde, described the strike as a difficult but necessary decision. He stressed that the conditions under which the doctors work have become untenable, compromising not only their well-being but also the quality of patient care.
“Our demands include the correction of illegal salary deductions, a review of the excessive taxes imposed on us, the payment of hazard allowances, and an improvement in working conditions,” Dr. Kehinde said. “We are struggling to keep this hospital running while our members face undue hardships. Many have already left, and the rest of us cannot continue like this.”
Dr. Kehinde also called on the state government to expedite action on their demands, including payment of outstanding salaries and alignment with the salary structure of other tertiary hospitals.
“We are not only fighting for ourselves but also for the survival of this hospital and the patients who rely on it,” he said. “We deeply regret any inconvenience this action causes the public, but it is the only way to force change.”
The immediate past ARD President, Dr. John Matthew, highlighted the financial disparities between Ondo State and others, such as Ogun State, which he said offer better welfare packages for doctors.
“The illegal deductions and excessive taxes are killing the system,” Dr. Matthew said. “Doctors are leaving in droves, and those of us who stay are being pushed to the limit. At one point, the hospital was even disconnected from the national power grid, leaving us to work and sleep in darkness.”
In response, the Chief Medical Director of UNIMEDTH, Dr. Gbala Michael, acknowledged the doctors’ grievances and pleaded for patience, promising that the management would address their concerns.
“We understand their frustration and are committed to resolving these issues,” Dr. Michael said. “We are asking for more time to work through their demands.”
For now, the strike leaves patients in limbo and the state’s healthcare system under strain, as the doctors hold firm to their position that they will not return to work until their demands are met.