Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State embarked on a 14-day warning strike on Tuesday.
The doctors, amidst other grievances, pointed out the non-payment of seven months’ salaries to their newly recruited members.
They took to peaceful protest on the hospital premises, declaring their intent to suspend activities until their concerns are addressed by the government.
Dr. John Matthew, the President of UNIMEDTH ARD, addressing reporters during the protest, underscored the plight of the new members who are yet to receive their salaries.
Dr. Matthew reiterated that the warning strike was prompted by various issues, including the non-disbursement of palliatives to House Officers since February, the failure to distribute the February Hazard Allowance despite assurances from the state government to settle two months, and a staffing shortage due to doctors’ resignations from the hospital.
He disclosed a significant decline in ARD membership, from 150 members a few months ago to only 26 currently.
“We demand full payment of the arrears of salaries owed to our members and payment of the February 2024 palliative to our house officers.
“Management should pay a February hazard allowance to our members and urgently address the severe clinical manpower shortage in the institution. Our members work every day. There are no staff due to Japan syndrome,” he stated.
