Doctors in Ondo under the aegis of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, have embarked on a two-weeks warning strike over some pressing issues in state.
The doctors are alleging that the state government had failed to pay their salary arrears for some months and also failed to resolve the issue of exodus of doctors and other health workers, among other issues.
A letter signed by the state chairman and secretary of the NAGGMDP, Roland Arohunmolase and Richard Obe respectively, and titled ‘Notice of Withdrawal of Service’ read;
“With due respect to your office, we write to notify your office of the immediate withdrawal of service by our members working under Ondo State Government Civil Service.
“Following Ordinary General Meeting of our association held on Wednesday 9th of June, 2021, members resolved at proceeding on two weeks warning strike starting from 8:00 am, 10th of June, 2021.
“Nonpayment of salary arrears being owed health workers in Ondo State (January 2017, March, April and May 2021), gross understaffing of government hospitals following mass exodus of doctors and other health workers from the state, non-regular payment of salaries and non-harmonization of doctors’ grade level in Ondo State Civil Service as approved by the Governor as contained in the letter written to Nigerian Medical Association Ondo State in March, 2021.
“Against this backdrop, we wish to let you know that our members have been overstretched and their emotional intelligence badly affected.
“Ondo State is being overpopulated and this has increased the numbers of patient patronage at various government-owned health facilities.
“Invariably, it has become unbearable to cope with the deplorable state of things in Ondo State Government-owned hospitals.
“We hereby state that it is not the wish of our members to proceed on this industrial action, but it is necessary to draw your attention and that of the citizenry to the afore-mentioned.
“The Association hopes Mr. Governor will do the needful in addressing our dissatisfaction as contained in this letter.”
