**LAUTECH Resident Doctors Urge Makinde to Release Training Fund, Pay Wage Arrears**
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, has appealed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to facilitate the immediate release of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and settle outstanding minimum wage arrears owed to resident doctors and other healthcare workers across the state.
In an open letter addressed to the governor, the association commended the administration for its efforts in improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services in Oyo State. The doctors acknowledged the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector but raised concerns over unresolved welfare issues affecting resident doctors.
The letter, signed by ARD President, Dr. Mustapha Adedapo, and General Secretary, Dr. John Stephen, stated that despite the progress recorded in the health sector, resident doctors continue to face challenges that negatively impact their welfare and the quality of healthcare delivery.
According to the association, the Medical Residency Training Fund, established under the Medical Residency Training Act of 2017, was designed to support postgraduate medical education and reduce the financial burden on resident doctors. However, they noted that Oyo State remains the only state in the South-West yet to disburse the fund to eligible resident doctors since its inception.
The doctors expressed concern that the delay has contributed to financial hardship and the migration of medical professionals to better-paying institutions. They revealed that some departments, including Anaesthesia and Chemical Pathology, have experienced severe manpower shortages following the departure of resident doctors due to poor remuneration and inadequate support.
The association emphasized that releasing the training fund would not only improve doctors’ welfare but also strengthen healthcare delivery across the state by encouraging professional development and retaining skilled personnel.
The doctors also lamented the delay in the payment of minimum wage arrears, stating that rising inflation, transportation costs, and increasing living expenses have placed significant pressure on healthcare workers. They argued that the unpaid arrears have affected morale and reduced the purchasing power of medical professionals.
According to the association, failure to address these concerns could worsen the ongoing brain drain in the health sector and undermine efforts to build a strong and efficient healthcare system in Oyo State.
The ARD urged Governor Makinde to prioritize the immediate disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund, settle all outstanding wage arrears, and maintain continuous engagement with healthcare professionals to create a more conducive working environment.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality healthcare services to residents of Oyo State and expressed optimism that the government would take swift action to address the issues. They added that resolving the concerns would boost staff morale, improve healthcare outcomes, and reinforce public confidence in the state’s healthcare system.