The Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to facilitate the immediate disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund and settle outstanding minimum wage arrears owed to resident doctors and other healthcare workers in the state.
In an open letter on Monday addressed to the governor and signed by the ARD President, Dr Mustapha Adedapo, and the General Secretary, Dr John Stephen, the doctors commended the administration’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery and infrastructure across the state but expressed concern over welfare issues affecting resident doctors.
The association acknowledged the government’s investments in healthcare and also offered prayers for the safe return of abducted schoolchildren in the state.
“We commend your administration’s efforts in strengthening healthcare delivery across Oyo State. Your investments in infrastructure, improved access to medical services, and commitment to citizens’ welfare have positioned Oyo State as a model of progressive governance,” the letter stated.
The doctors, however, noted that resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital continue to face challenges that affect both their welfare and the quality of healthcare services.
They expressed concern over the non-disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund, describing it as a crucial support mechanism established under the Medical Residency Training Act of 2017 to ease the financial burden of postgraduate medical education.
According to the association, Oyo State remains the only state in Southwestern Nigeria yet to disburse the fund to eligible resident doctors since the law was enacted.
“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, whose resident doctors have all departed due to poor remuneration,” the association said.
The doctors stressed that timely disbursement of the fund would not only improve welfare but also strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
“Timely disbursement of the MRTF is not merely a welfare issue; it is an investment in the future of healthcare in Oyo State,” the letter added.
The association also decried the non-payment of minimum wage arrears, saying the situation had negatively impacted morale among healthcare workers amid rising inflation and increasing living costs.
“Like other workers, resident doctors are grappling with inflation, rising transportation costs, and increasing household expenses. The shortfall in wage implementation has further weakened purchasing power and diminished motivation,” the letter stated.
The doctors warned that delays in addressing the issues could worsen the migration of skilled medical professionals and undermine the state’s healthcare goals.
“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 letter said.
The association appealed to the governor to ensure the immediate disbursement of the MRTF, payment of outstanding wage arrears, and sustained engagement with healthcare professionals to foster a conducive working environment.
The doctors reaffirmed their commitment to providing quality healthcare services to residents of Oyo State and expressed confidence that the government would give the issues urgent attention.
“Addressing these concerns promptly will not only improve staff welfare but also reinforce confidence in your administration’s dedication to equity, justice, and excellence,” the association stated.