Amanze Chinonye
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has called on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to urgently facilitate the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and clear outstanding minimum wage arrears owed to resident doctors and other healthcare workers in the state, Prime Business Africa reports.
The appeal was contained in an open letter dated Monday, June 22, 2026, and signed by the ARD President, Dr. Mustapha Adedapo, and General Secretary, Dr. John Stephen.
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In the letter, the doctors commended the state government’s efforts in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to medical services, while also acknowledging recent concerns over insecurity, including the abduction of schoolchildren in parts of the state.
Despite the commendation, the association said resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital continue to face unresolved welfare challenges that are affecting both staff morale and healthcare delivery.
A key concern raised by the group is the non-disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund, which it described as a statutory support mechanism established under the Medical Residency Training Act of 2017 to ease the financial burden on doctors undergoing specialist training.
The association noted that Oyo State remains the only state in the South-West yet to commence payment of the fund to eligible resident doctors, a situation it said has persisted since the law was enacted.
According to the doctors, the delay has contributed to financial strain among trainees and has also fueled the departure of medical personnel from critical departments within the teaching hospital.
They specifically cited shortages in departments such as Anaesthesia and Chemical Pathology, attributing the situation to the exit of resident doctors linked to poor remuneration and welfare conditions.
“Eligible resident doctors in our institution have been excluded, resulting in financial strain, attrition of doctors to other facilities, and critical manpower shortages in departments such as Anaesthesia and Chemical Pathology,” the letter stated.
The ARD stressed that timely disbursement of the MRTF should be viewed as an investment in the sustainability of healthcare delivery rather than a welfare obligation alone.
“Timely disbursement of the MRTF is not merely a welfare issue; it is an investment in the future of healthcare in Oyo State,” it added.
The association also raised concerns over the non-payment of minimum wage arrears, saying the development has worsened the economic pressure on healthcare workers amid rising inflation, transport costs and general cost-of-living increases.
It warned that the continued delay in addressing these issues could worsen the migration of skilled medical professionals and undermine the state’s healthcare system.
“A well-supported healthcare workforce is indispensable to achieving your administration’s healthcare goals. Delays in addressing these obligations risk fuelling dissatisfaction, accelerating brain drain, and weakening the state’s ability to retain highly skilled medical professionals,” the association said.
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The doctors urged the state government to immediately release the MRTF, settle outstanding wage arrears, and sustain engagement with health workers to improve working conditions and retain skilled personnel.
The appeal adds to a series of longstanding grievances between the resident doctors and the state government. In 2025, the association had previously called for full implementation of the new minimum wage for resident doctors and expedited approval of the training fund.
The welfare dispute had also contributed to industrial action by resident doctors last year, during which they demanded payment of arrears, recruitment of additional medical personnel, and improvements in hospital working conditions.
While Governor Makinde had previously assured that outstanding wage arrears at the institution would be addressed as part of broader health sector reforms, the resident doctors say urgent intervention is now required to prevent further deterioration in manpower and service delivery.
They reaffirmed their commitment to patient care but maintained that improved welfare is essential to sustaining efficiency in the state’s healthcare system.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
