By: Sunday Ameh
The Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has suspended its planned strike following the intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde, averting what could have been a major disruption in healthcare delivery across the state.
The association had threatened to embark on industrial action from October 2 over unmet demands, including improved remuneration, timely payment of allowances, employment of additional staff, and infrastructural development at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LTH), Ogbomoso.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, the NMA General Secretary, Dr. Tobi Bright, confirmed the suspension of the strike after Governor Makinde personally waded into the matter.
Bright disclosed that during the governor’s visit to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital on September 30, Makinde pledged to settle promotion arrears and approve payment of the minimum wage award in three instalments. He further assured that the hospital’s Board would be constituted within a week, with the Chief Medical Director’s appointment made substantive.
The governor also approved an additional ₦35 million subvention for the institution, alongside commitments to compute and pay the Medical Residency Training Fund and accoutrement allowance.
Commending members for their patience and unity, Bright said the intervention had restored optimism in government’s willingness to address long-standing issues.
“The association appreciates Governor Makinde’s swift response and proactive steps to forestall a breakdown in healthcare services across the state,” he said.
The NMA urged the state government to keep to its promises, stressing that the suspension of the strike was in the interest of the public and improved access to healthcare in Oyo State.
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