Resident physicians at Ogun state hospital launch 10-day protest work stoppage

The Association of Resident Doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, has declared a 10-day warning strike, citing grievances such as unpaid revised professional and specialist allowances, severe manpower shortages, delayed training funds, and deteriorating welfare conditions.

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This industrial action will be strictly enforced, with a fine of N50,000 imposed on any resident doctor who disobeys the association's directive during the strike period.

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The decision to embark on this warning strike was made at the association's second-quarter ordinary general meeting, held on Monday at the Adebola Adegunwa Hall, OOUTH, Sagamu, and was conveyed to the public through a communiqué issued on Tuesday.

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The communiqué, signed by the association's president, Dr John Omotoso, expressed the resident doctors' deep concern over the Ogun state government's failure to implement and pay the revised Professional Allowance and Specialist Allowance, including outstanding arrears.

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Despite the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum, the doctors noted that no Memorandum of Understanding had been signed and no firm commitment had been received from the state government regarding the payment and implementation of these allowances.

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The association's communiqué highlighted the non-implementation and non-payment of the revised Professional Allowance and Specialist Allowance, including outstanding arrears, as a major concern, with no Memorandum of Understanding signed or firm commitment received from the relevant authorities.

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The resident doctors also expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, despite its domestication by the Ogun State Government, as well as critical manpower shortages leading to excessive workload and burnout.

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Other pressing concerns include recurrent security breaches, poor call room conditions, inadequate accommodation facilities, and subpar call meals, all of which pose risks to staff and patients and hinder the doctors' ability to provide quality care.

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After deliberating on these issues, the association unanimously decided to proceed with a 10-day warning strike, demanding immediate payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund and the inclusion of revised Professional Allowance and Specialist Allowance in the July 2026 salary payment.

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The doctors are also seeking a comprehensive overhaul of the hospital's security architecture, including improved lighting and perimeter fencing, as well as the renovation and upgrading of call rooms and accommodation facilities.

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Furthermore, the association is demanding an improvement in the quality and quantity of call meals provided to doctors, to ensure their well-being and ability to perform their duties effectively.

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Any resident doctor found disobeying the association's directive during the warning strike will be required to pay a fine of N50,000, as a measure to enforce compliance and unity among members.

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The association has announced plans to convene an Emergency General Meeting at the end of the 10-day warning strike to review developments and determine the course of further action.