Medical consultants at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, are facing increasing pressure and workload challenges as the strike by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) enters its third week. The ongoing industrial action, which began on July 29, 2025, has severely disrupted hospital services, affecting patient care and hospital operations.
The ARD embarked on the strike to press for the implementation of the new minimum wage for doctors, payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), accoutrement allowances, and arrears for salary increments. The doctors also raised concerns about deteriorating working conditions, including dilapidated call rooms and unpaid salaries dating back to February 2025.
With the resident doctors on strike, the burden of patient care has fallen squarely on the shoulders of the medical consultants, who are now struggling to manage an increasing number of cases. This unintended consequence has led to heightened stress levels among consultants as they attempt to fill the service gap caused by the absence of the resident doctors.
The hospital, once staffed by about 270 doctors, now has fewer than 65, due to resignations and the failure to recruit new personnel. This staffing shortfall compounds the difficulties faced by medical consultants in delivering quality healthcare.
LAUTECH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, acknowledged the challenges but expressed hope for a swift resolution. Meanwhile, hospital management has been engaging in talks with the striking doctors, urging them to suspend the strike and resume duties.
The Oyo State government has yet to make an official statement but is under increasing pressure from patients, healthcare advocacy groups, and the public to intervene.
As the strike persists, the future of healthcare delivery at LAUTECH remains uncertain, spotlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the hospital’s staffing and welfare issues to ensure uninterrupted medical services.
More than news- Its Icegate