The Association of Resident Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has called on the Oyo State Government to ensure speedy payment of the 24 months salary arrears owed members.
The association made the call in a statement jointly signed by Dr Ayobami Alabi and Dr Taiwo Alatise, its President and General Secretary respectively.
The statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday said the salary arrears spanned between January 2016 and December 2017.
“The non-payment of the outstanding salary arrears is exposing our members to untoward hardship and embarrassment in different facets of life.
“It is important government pays the arrears in earnest. It should be noted there is a limit to which people can continue to work in the face of suffering,” it said.
The statement said that their members had in spite of the challenges demonstrated, understanding and unequal dedication toward the state government.
“It is painful and disheartening that despite resuming back to work and rendering uninterrupted services for almost a year, the outstanding salary arrears of 24 months are still being owed,” it said.
“The level of understanding and maturity being displayed by resident doctors should not be taken for granted.
“ The harmony and peace currently enjoyed in the hospital should be protected at all cost,’’ it added.
“Government should improve on its commitment to the institution in other areas such as infrastructure, staff and residency training.
“We hope with the cooperation the government has shown in recent times, she will hearken our call and respond favourably,” it said.
The association also appealed to the traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, stakeholders and numerous indigenes of the state to prevail on government to do the needful.
NAN reports that the teaching hospital, a state-owned tertiary health institution, was inaugurated in 2011 with the aim of rendering qualitative medical services.
