Doctors begin three-day warning strike in Ondo over unpaid allowances
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Medical doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners in Ondo State have commenced a three-day warning strike to protest what they described as gross neglect of the health sector by the state government.
The strike, which began on Monday, has disrupted medical services in government-owned hospitals across the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Dr. Richard Obe, and Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, the doctors lamented the acute shortage of personnel, saying some hospitals operate with only one doctor per local government.
They also criticised the non-payment of salaries and allowances to eight doctors employed in October 2024, as well as an increase in taxation since April 2025 without prior engagement.
Medical doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners in Ondo State have commenced a three-day warning strike to protest what they described as gross neglect of the health sector by the state government.
The strike, which began on Monday, has disrupted medical services in government-owned hospitals across the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Dr. Richard Obe, and Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, the doctors lamented the acute shortage of personnel, saying some hospitals operate with only one doctor per local government.
They also criticised the non-payment of salaries and allowances to eight doctors employed in October 2024, as well as an increase in taxation since April 2025 without prior engagement.
Others include unpaid hazard allowances for October to December 2023 and January 2024, outstanding promotion arrears from June to December 2024, and salary shortfalls and unpaid allowances for other members,” the statement added.
The association warned that failure to meet their demands could lead to a total and indefinite industrial action, potentially crippling the already fragile state health system.
Their demands include immediate recruitment of more doctors across the 18 local government areas, payment of all outstanding salaries and statutory allowances, reversal of the new tax regime, and settlement of promotion arrears.
The doctors recalled that a 14-working-day ultimatum was earlier issued to the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, but the state government failed to act on the notice.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, said the state government was already addressing the issues raised.
“We have started paying the arrears because the governor has given an instruction that the funds be paid, and we are going to address their challenges,” he said.
On the issue of personnel shortage, Odimayo noted that the government had advertised and hired available applicants. “If they have people they want us to employ, they should come forward with it. The government can’t manufacture doctors, but we are ready to employ them,” he added.
