The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, has commenced a 10-day warning strike following unresolved concerns over unpaid revised professional and specialist allowances, severe manpower shortages, delayed training funds, and deteriorating welfare conditions.
The association also announced a sanction of ₦50,000 against any member who violates the strike directive during the period of the industrial action.
The decision was reached during the association’s second-quarter Ordinary General Meeting held on Monday at the Adebola Adegunwa Hall within the teaching hospital.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the ARD President, Dr. John Omotoso, the doctors expressed disappointment over the Ogun State Government’s failure to implement and pay the revised Professional Allowance and Specialist Allowance, including outstanding arrears owed to members.
The association noted that despite the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum earlier issued to the government, no Memorandum of Understanding had been signed, while no concrete assurance had been received regarding payment of the allowances.
According to the communiqué, members were deeply concerned about the continued delay in implementing the revised allowances and settling the outstanding arrears.
The doctors further lamented the non-payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), despite the programme having been domesticated by the Ogun State Government.
They also raised concerns over the shortage of medical personnel across departments, which they said has resulted in excessive workloads, burnout, and prolonged working hours for available staff.
Other issues highlighted by the association include recurring incidents of theft, burglary, and security breaches within the hospital environment, which they said pose serious threats to both healthcare workers and patients.
The doctors additionally complained about the poor condition of call rooms, inadequate accommodation facilities, and the unsatisfactory quality and quantity of meals provided to resident doctors while on call duty.
Following extensive deliberations, members unanimously resolved to embark on a 10-day warning strike and demanded immediate payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
They also insisted that the revised Professional Allowance and Specialist Allowance should be reflected in the July 2026 salary payment.
The association called for a comprehensive overhaul of the hospital’s security infrastructure, including improved lighting, strengthened perimeter fencing, and other measures aimed at enhancing safety within the facility.
Furthermore, the doctors demanded urgent renovation of call rooms and accommodation facilities, as well as significant improvement in the quality and quantity of meals provided during call duties.
The ARD warned that any member found disregarding the strike directive would be liable to a ₦50,000 penalty.
The association disclosed that an Emergency General Meeting would be convened at the end of the warning strike to assess developments and determine the next line of action if its demands remain unmet.
