The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State chapter, has suspended its planned strike slated for October 2, following the intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, the association’s General Secretary, Dr. Tobi Bright, expressed gratitude to members for their patience and acknowledged the governor’s proactive steps in addressing their concerns.
The NMA had earlier threatened industrial action over issues bordering on welfare, including improved remuneration, timely payment of allowances, more staff employment, infrastructure upgrades, and governance reforms at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
Governor Makinde, who visited LAUTECH on September 30, pledged to clear promotion arrears and pay the minimum wage award in three instalments. He further promised to constitute and inaugurate the hospital’s governing board within a week, make the Chief Medical Director’s appointment substantive, and prioritise the computation and payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund and accoutrement allowance. An additional N35 million subvention was also approved.
The association commended its members for their solidarity, appreciated public support, and lauded the governor’s swift action in averting disruptions to healthcare services.
Dr. Bright also expressed optimism that the intervention would enhance cooperation between the NMA and the government, paving the way for more effective and accessible healthcare delivery across Oyo State.
