Group Urges Ogun Government to Meet Demands of Striking Doctors

Members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) have urged Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to meet the demands of medical doctors working in state-owned hospitals so they can end their strike.

Dr. Oluseye Olufunso, the Chairman of the association’s Ota Zone, made this appeal during a free medical outreach in Sango Ota. He described the ongoing strike as an “additional burden” on the residents of the state, who are already struggling with economic challenges.

Olufunso stated that the state government should take all necessary steps to end the ongoing strike, emphasizing that it has left many residents, particularly sick patients, without access to medical care. He urged the governor to urgently address the demands of the striking doctors to restore normalcy in the state’s healthcare system. Olufunso also argued that the government must prioritize the health sector by improving working conditions and welfare packages for medical and health workers at all levels.

Olufunso stated that at least 500 residents will benefit from the medical outreach, which is designed to emphasize the importance of regular health checks, especially for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, dental issues, and other diseases.

He noted, “The outreach aims to raise awareness about the need for routine health screenings, particularly for hypertension, diabetes, dental care, and other conditions. Many of these often overlooked ailments can lead to sudden health crises and even death.”

He also expressed disappointment that, despite these issues, the government still permits doctors to go on strike over unresolved demands.

Olufunso remarked that the sudden health crises leading to death could be prevented if individuals prioritize their health and the government ensures affordable healthcare services, including free care for the poor and vulnerable.

He also noted that medical doctors in Ogun State’s public hospitals have been on an indefinite strike since August 3 due to unresolved issues regarding pay disparities between federal and state medical staff.