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Ondo Resident Doctors begin strike over four months’ salary arrears

 

Irked by the non-payment of four months’ salary, resident doctors in the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) on Monday began an indefinite strike action.

The Association of Resident Doctors at the UNIMEDTH had embarked on a three-day warning strike with a threat to totally down tools if their demands were not met.

Acting President of ARD, Ondo State, Dr. Sanni Oriyomi, who spoke to journalist in Akure said they could no longer pretend that all was well with them.

According to him, besides the non-payment of salaries, there were issues of dearth of doctors and House Officers.

Oriyomi said the COVID-19 hazard allowance was paid for only one month and that the Resident doctors sought accommodation for themselves instead of residing in houses provided by the hospital management.

He said the absence of House Officers is affecting health of his members.

“Having persevered to render services, our salary has become issue of concern. We are finding it difficult to meet up with our financial obligations.

“We are calling on the government to come up with solutions. It is not in our interest to embark on this strike but enough is enough.”

Spokesman of the Ondo ARD, Dr. Taiwo Olaigbe, said the state health system was on the brink of collapsed.

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Dr. Olaigbe insisted that they would not return work until all their salaries are paid.

Acting Ondo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, said the state government was already working towards ensuring the Resident doctors receive their salaries same day with the civil servants.

Dr. Adeyeye said the plan was to move the doctors’ salaries to the central pay system.

 

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