Medical Doctors in Ondo State are poised to embark on a three-day
warning strike starting Monday, July 14, 2025, a move that could escalate into an indefinite
industrial action if their demands are not met.
The National Association of Government
General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) Ondo State, an affiliate of the Nigeria
Medical Association (NMA), issued the ultimatum to the Ondo State Government following what they describe as persistent neglect of the state’s healthcare system and the welfare of their members.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Association highlighted numerous
unaddressed issues despite repeated attempts to engage Governor Lucky Orimisan
Aiyedatiwa. Dr. Richard Obe, Chairman of the NAGGMDP Ondo State, alongside Secretary
Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, revealed that multiple letters sent to the Governor had gone
unanswered.
This includes a 14-working-day ultimatum that expired on July 1, 2025,
without any government response.
A critical concern raised by Dr. Obe is the severe shortage of medical personnel across the state.
He stated that some general hospitals are operating with as few as one doctor to
serve an entire local government, leading to extreme overwork, fatigue, exhaustion, and
burnout among their members.
Furthermore, the Association pointed out that members’ taxes inexplicably increased from
April 2025 without prior notification. Dr. Obe also expressed dismay over the plight of eight
medical and dental officers employed in October 2024, who are yet to receive salaries for October, November, December 2024, and January 2025.
Their February 2025 salary was
paid, but without accompanying allowances. Additionally, members are still owed Hazard
Allowances for October, November, December 2023, and January 2024, as well as
promotion arrears from June to December 2024.
To avert the impending strike, the NAGGMDP has put forth the following demands for
immediate government attention:
- Employment of more doctors into the Ondo State service to adequately cater for the
populace. - Immediate payment of salary shortfalls for members, including call duty and teaching
allowances, in line with the agreed Enhanced Salary Structure and Entry Point for Medical
Doctors in the State Service. - Reduction of the burdensome tax implemented from December 2024.
- 4. Immediate payment of outstanding salaries for newly employed medical/dental officers for October, November, December 2024, and the call duty, hazard, and teaching
allowances for February 2025. - Prompt payment of Hazard Allowance for October, November 2023, and January 2024.
- Payment of promotion arrears from June to December 2024 for newly promoted
members.
Dr. Obe affirmed the Association’s commitment to providing essential healthcare services to the public, but urged the government to swiftly address their demands to prevent an “avoidable industrial action”. He reiterated that if the three-day warning strike concludes
without a resolution, members will proceed with an indefinite strike.
