Doctors in Ondo State have begun a warning strike, protesting unpaid salaries and staff shortages.
They warn of a full shutdown if government fails to meet urgent health sector demands.
Medical doctors under the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) in Ondo State have embarked on a three-day warning strike to protest what they describe as severe neglect of the state’s health sector by the government.
The industrial action, which commenced on Monday, has led to the suspension of services in government hospitals across the state, causing disruptions in patient care and treatment.
In a statement jointly signed by the association’s state chairman, Dr. Richard Obe, and secretary, Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, the doctors decried the worsening working conditions in the public health system. They highlighted the acute shortage of medical personnel, revealing that some hospitals are being run by just one doctor per local government area.
The association also faulted the state government for failing to pay the salaries and allowances of eight doctors who were recruited in October 2024. According to the doctors, the affected personnel have gone unpaid for months despite being actively on duty.
Additionally, the statement criticized what the doctors called an arbitrary increase in taxes since April 2025 without consultation. Other grievances include unpaid hazard allowances for the final quarter of 2023 and January 2024, unremitted promotion arrears for the second half of 2024, and several salary shortfalls affecting many members.
They warned that if the government does not meet their demands, they would have no choice but to embark on a total and indefinite strike, which could paralyze the already overstretched health sector in the state.
Among the demands listed by the doctors are the immediate recruitment of additional doctors across all 18 local government areas, full payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, reversal of the revised tax regime, and settlement of all promotion-related entitlements.
The association reminded the public that the warning strike was preceded by a 14-working-day ultimatum issued to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration, which reportedly went unheeded.
Reacting to the strike, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, acknowledged the doctors’ concerns and assured that the government is already taking steps to resolve the issues.
“We’ve started paying the arrears following the governor’s directive, and the administration is committed to addressing their grievances,” Odimayo said.
He further clarified that the government had initiated a recruitment process to address the shortage of doctors, noting that only those who applied could be considered. “If they know qualified people who are interested, they should bring them forward. We are willing to employ more doctors, but we cannot create them out of thin air,” he added.
