Doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have urged Governor Seyi Makinde to address the approval of allocated funds for the Medical Residency Training Fund and the CONMESS 35% salary increase.
The appeal was conveyed by a user known as “The Nigerian Doctor.”
The user also highlighted outstanding payments owed to healthcare workers, including hazard allowances and intern waiver allowances.
According to the post, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH-TH) is facing significant staff shortages, with only 70 resident doctors and 10 house officers instead of the required 270 and 48, respectively.
The user expressed concerns about the workload on the remaining doctors and the potential risks to patients’ safety due to exhausted medical staff.
The message appealed to Governor Makinde to expedite the approval process for the allocated funds to prevent further staff resignations and ensure adequate healthcare delivery in Oyo State.
“Sir, Nigerian Doctors plead with you to implement the previously approved funds for: 1) Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) 2) CONMESS 35% salary increase 3) Hazard allowance 4) 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. 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 at 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.
“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 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. Sir, Oyo State is the only South West State that is yet to implement these funds. E dakun. A beyin ni, ao sako. E saanu awon aburo wa, ti won’fi gbogbo agbara won sise fun yin. Ko dara ki ipinle Oyo gbeyin ninu ere ije ati di awon dokita yii mu. E ma je ki won fonka si Ilu Eko ati Abuja, nibiti won ti’n fi owo gidi lowo won.
“Knowing your antecedent, I am not worried about the posibility of a swift resolution of matters arising. I am confident that we will not need to explore protests and strike actions, to get your attention. Thank you in advance, your Excellency. Mo dupe gidigidi gan.”
The user emphasized the importance of timely action to retain medical professionals and address the healthcare challenges facing the state.
In response, the State government acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that they were being addressed. They stated, “Complaints concerning the Medical Residency Training Fund and other matters relating to the remuneration of Resident doctors at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital have been forwarded to the authorities and are being looked into.”
