Ondo doctors warn of strike over poor working conditions
Doctors in Ondo State are raising alarms about worsening conditions in the health sector and are urging the government to act swiftly. The Nigerian Medical Association and affiliated groups say that years of neglect have led to declining manpower and overstretched staff. Dr Abel Alonge, the state NMA Chairman, highlighted that the number of doctors has halved in the past decade, despite a growing population. The doctors are demanding urgent intervention, warning that failure to address their concerns could lead to industrial action.
Highlights
- Dr Abel Alonge stated that the doctor-to-population ratio in Ondo is now about 1 to 6,200, far below the WHO standard of 1 to 600.
- Many hospitals reportedly have only one doctor or none, causing extreme pressure on the few available staff.
- Recent recruitment efforts by the government were criticized for hiring retired doctors and trainees, not addressing the manpower gap.
- Dr Stephen Adewole described Ondo as the lowest-paying state for healthcare workers in the South-West, leading to an exodus of doctors to other states.
- The doctors have issued a fresh seven-day ultimatum and warned of possible industrial action if their demands, including improved welfare and urgent recruitment, are not met.
