Medical doctors at  the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, LAUTECH, have raised alarm over what they described as ‘unlawful and “inconsiderate” slashing of their salaries by the State government. The medical doctors under the auspices of Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH-ARD, also lamented that non provision of necessary equipment was gradually threatening the training of medical students in the institution.

 

In a statement made available to  Good Health Weekly,  and jointly signed by the President, Dr Sebastine Oiwoh and General Secretary, Dr Ayobami Alabi, they alleged that all efforts by the Association to resolve these problems have met brick wall. 

 

The duo said the Association has vehemently rejected the payment of percentage salary since the payment of January 2016 salary was paid in August 2016. “We have repeatedly written letters, paid visits and made appeal to all that matter in Oyo state government. Attempts at meeting with the state Governor was met with brick wall.”

 

They further demanded for the immediate payment of their salaries and arrears with the Paris Club Fund released to the state. “We are owed 11 months salary right now. We demand immediate reversal alongside payment of the arrears of salaries being owed with the Paris Fund release. 

 

“We insist being paid what is obtainable in federal teaching hospital as it is written in the edict of the hospital as anything contrary totally negates the contract of our employment,” they insisted. Continuing, the doctors who alleged that projects are not being implemented in the hospital said approved equipment are yet to be delivered as well as not installed, adding that the situation is jeopardising  clinically the future of medical student in the hospital.

 

They also warned that the situation may affect accreditation for training coupled with the medical students having to spend longer years than needed. “This sad experience typifies the sheer neglect of the populace that translates into poor health indices in the nation. 

 

This ranges from insufficient budgetary allocation for health to non implementation of allocated funds for actualisation of the zenith of enviable health care delivery within the hospital and the state. The medical doctors called on all stakeholders, religious leaders, political leaders to wade into what they described as ‘flagrant disregard’ for the health of the populace before it becomes too late.

Vanguard