Ondo State Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Hazard Allowances

Ondo State University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) resident doctors started an indefinite strike due to unpaid hazard allowances and poor working conditions.

The doctors are demanding the resolution of issues like salary payment irregularities, the full implementation of the new minimum wage, the end of illegal salary deductions, a review of high tax payments, and the payment of all hazard allowance arrears, Premium Times reported.

President of ARD in the state Olaogbe Kehinde explained that the strike was unavoidable because the doctors were overworked and could no longer continue without payment of their arrears.

He mentioned that many doctors had resigned or left without notice due to poor working conditions. Kehinde also said that the hospital's management had ignored their requests to review these conditions.

He called for corrections in salary payment irregularities, the full implementation of the new minimum wage, and equal pay with other tertiary hospitals, as outlined in the teaching hospital constitution.

Kehinde explained that the strike was a tough decision, but the doctors could no longer work in conditions that affected their well-being and compromised patient care.

He called on the state government to quickly pay all outstanding salaries and allowances, improve working conditions at the three centers across the state, and make sure their demands are met.

He also expressed regret for any inconvenience the strike might cause to patients and the public. Immediate Past President of ARD John Matthew mentioned that there is a massive salary difference between doctors in Ondo State and those in other states, mainly due to illegal deductions and taxes.

Matthew pointed out that many doctors in Ondo State have taken jobs in other states. He emphasized that the doctors will not return to work until their demands are met, stating that money is the main issue driving doctors away.

He also mentioned the large pay difference between Ondo and Ogun States, saying doctors are leaving for states offering better welfare packages, while conditions in Ondo are worsening.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Gbala Micheal, asked the striking doctors for more time to allow management to address their concerns. He also mentioned that the state government would meet with the striking doctors to discuss their issues.

Earlier in April, the doctors had gone on a 14-day warning strike over the same concerns.

Last month, the states of Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Nasarawa, and the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), halted government activities as public workers went on strike to protest the implementation of the new minimum wage.