NMA demands action on LAUTECH doctors’ welfare crisis

File photo: Nigerian Medical Association

Nigerian Medical Association , Oyo State Branch, has called on the Oyo State Government to urgently address the worsening welfare and manpower challenges confronting doctors across the state’s secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions.

The association said the unresolved concerns affecting members of the Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, and the Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State, were no longer isolated labour issues, warning that they could have serious consequences for patient safety and healthcare delivery.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Oyo State branch, Dr. Olufemi Aworinde and the General Secretary, NMA Oyo State branch, Dr. Jemiludeen Moharson-Bello, on Monday, the NMA Oyo said, “Doctors’ welfare is patients’ welfare,” stressing that the continued loss of skilled medical personnel was putting increasing pressure on the state’s health system.

The association acknowledged the efforts of the Oyo State Government and relevant officials in engaging with the medical community, as well as the partial payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.

It, however, called for the immediate implementation of outstanding commitments, particularly approved remuneration, allowances, career progression, recruitment and retention measures.

“Delay in addressing approved remuneration, allowances, career progression, recruitment and retention have placed doctors under considerable pressure and continue to fuel the loss of skilled medical manpower,” the NMA said.

According to the association, the departure of experienced doctors leaves vacancies unfilled, disrupts residency training and places additional pressure on emergency services, with patients and their families ultimately bearing the consequences.

The NMA also expressed concern over the ongoing industrial action by resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, which it said had entered its 38th day following the expiration of an earlier eight-week ultimatum without resolution of key welfare concerns.

It identified completion of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund payment, implementation of the approved Professional Allowance Table (PAT), and resolution of other outstanding welfare issues as immediate priorities.

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On the situation involving medical and dental officers in secondary healthcare and other state establishments, the NMA said AMDO had formally notified the government of unresolved welfare and conditions-of-service issues following its Annual General Meeting of September 17, 2026.

AMDO has given the government a 21-day window to resolve the issues and has notified the government of a possible strike beginning Monday, October 12, if its demands are not satisfactorily addressed.

The demands include completion of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund payment, implementation of the approved PAT and payment of the outstanding Accoutrement Allowance.

The NMA said its own two-week ultimatum, issued at its Emergency State Executive Council meeting on September 26, would also expire on October 12.

The association therefore called on Governor Seyi Makinde and relevant ministries, departments and agencies to move beyond dialogue to concrete implementation.

“What is required at this stage is not another cycle of promises, but measurable action capable of restoring confidence among doctors and bringing stability to the health system,” the NMA said.

The association said it remained committed to constructive dialogue and industrial harmony, but warned that unresolved welfare issues could affect stability in the state’s health sector.

“Our overriding concern is the health and safety of the people of Oyo State,” it said, adding that “there can be no sustainable patient care without a supported, adequately remunerated and sufficiently staffed medical workforce.”

The NMA said it could not guarantee continued industrial harmony in the state health sector if the outstanding issues remained unresolved within the stipulated periods.