By Peace Erewunmi

Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have called on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to urgently release the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and settle outstanding wage arrears owed to medical personnel.

The appeal was made by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), which expressed concern over delays in the payment of critical entitlements and the impact on the welfare and professional development of resident doctors. The association noted that the residency fund is essential for training, examinations, and professional advancement.

According to the doctors, the non-release of the residency training fund and outstanding salary-related obligations has contributed to low morale among healthcare workers and increased the pressure on an already stretched workforce. They argued that addressing these issues would help improve service delivery and reduce the migration of medical professionals to other institutions and countries.

The association also highlighted concerns about manpower shortages, welfare challenges, and the need for sustained government investment in the teaching hospital. It urged the state government to honour previous commitments made to health workers and strengthen the healthcare system through prompt intervention.

The resident doctors acknowledged some steps previously taken by the Oyo State Government to improve workers’ welfare, including adjustments to hazard allowances and the payment of certain arrears, but maintained that several outstanding issues still require urgent attention.

They expressed optimism that Governor Makinde would respond positively to their demands and take necessary measures to address the challenges facing healthcare workers at the institution.

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had not officially responded to the latest appeal by the doctors.