An urgent appeal has been made by the members of the Association of Residents Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State chapter, to the governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, to address the challenging situation they are currently facing.
Expressing their distress in a series of posts on X on Sunday, the LAUTECH doctors highlighted the unattractive remuneration package as a major deterrent for potential applicants.
They emphasized that the unresolved financial issues not only affect patient care but also hinder the hospital’s ability to retain qualified medical professionals.
In a tweet, they stated, “LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso needs your urgent intervention @seyiamakinde. Our doctors are overworked due to a shortage of manpower. No one wants to come because of abysmal pay.
“Residents taking back-to-back calls are prone to errors while covering multiple. LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso is the only teaching hospital in the South West yet to pay new hazard allowance, MRTF and new CONMESS.”
Additionally, a doctor at the hospital known as The Nigerian Doctor on X also expressed concerns about being overworked due to insufficient staff at the facility.
He pointed out that the hospital is currently operating with only 70 resident doctors, instead of the required 270, and 10 house officers, instead of 48, due to poor government welfare support.
In his post, he appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde, stating, “Your Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde @seyiamakinde, Governor of Oyo State @oyostategovt. With a heavy heart, I write to you on behalf of Nigerian Resident Doctors @lth_ard, who are working at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital @lautech.
“Sir, you are aware of the brain drain in Nigeria as thousands of our colleagues have fled the country in search of greener pastures (Japa). If well-paying metropolitan cities like Lagos are struggling to retain doctors, imagine the crisis Ogbomosho will be facing.
“As of the last count, LAUTECH-TH has 70 resident doctors, instead of 270! 10 house officers, instead of 48! We are informed three doctors resigned last week alone.”
The doctor also highlighted the risks to patients posed by the shortage of staff, as the remaining doctors are burdened with excess workload.
“Can you imagine how overworked the remaining doctors will be? Can you imagine the dangers the good citizens of Oyo State face, as they are being treated by exhausted doctors, who are working back-to-back shifts, due to a shortage of hands?
“I will not be surprised if more doctors tender their resignation letters, at this rate. In fact, it is a wonder the resident doctors have not proceeded on strike, to protest their meagre income,” he added.
In their specific demands, the doctors urged Governor Makinde to implement the approved funds for Medical Residency Training Fund; CONMESS 35% salary increase; hazard allowance; and intern waiver allowance.
“We have been privy to the abundance of correspondence, hearings, and negotiations about these funds. We have been informed that the only pending but most crucial step is for you to sign your approval and these funds will roll out ASAP.”
Upon reaching out for a response, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Suleiman Olarewaju, assured that our correspondent will be contacted soon.
As of the time of writing this report, no response has been received yet.
“Let me gather the latest information, I will revert back to you,” he stated.
In December 2021, the Federal Government increased the hazard allowances for health workers in its healthcare facilities nationwide.
This increase was detailed in a circular dated December 22, 2021, by the Chairman of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, referencing the hazard allowance adjustments for health workers in federal hospitals and medical facilities.
“Regarding the review of the hazard allowance for health workers in federal hospitals, medical centers, and clinics in government agencies, this adjustment applies to health workers under the CONHESS salary structure, with doctors under CONMESS having their hazard allowances revised accordingly,” as stated in the circular.