Ile-ife: The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the hospital’s management to address various unresolved welfare concerns affecting doctors. This decision was announced following a virtual emergency general meeting held by the association.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the communiqu©, jointly signed by ARD President Jesunbo Martins and General Secretary Toyyeb Oladipo, outlined the dissatisfaction among doctors regarding inadequate call-duty meal provisions amidst increasing manpower shortages. The communiqu© highlighted the growing workloads and the management’s lack of response to repeated appeals for the comprehensive implementation of welfare measures.
The association criticized a management directive that imposes a N2,500 charge for the issuance and renewal of staff identity cards. It described this policy as exploitative and inconsistent with established public service practices. Furthermore, the ARD opposed the compulsory attachment of identity cards to official correspondence, citing potential violations of privacy rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
The communiqu© also addressed the worsening accommodation shortages within the Ife Hospital Unit, alleging that management had neglected residential quarters vacated by resident doctors, failing to renovate or reuse them productively. The ARD demanded immediate action to expand call-duty meal allocations, suspend identity card charges, reverse the correspondence directive, and urgently rehabilitate the vacated residential quarters.
The association warned that failure to address these concerns within the stipulated 21 days might compel doctors to pursue lawful union actions, including peaceful protests and other legitimate industrial measures.