The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has condemned what it described as the “reckless insensitivity” of the Gov. Seyi Makinde administration to the worsening crisis in Oyo State’s health sector.
The organisation described the 32-day strike as unacceptable, saying the development had further exposed what it termed the administration’s poor handling of welfare and working conditions of medical personnel in the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation also expressed concern over the 21-day warning strike issued by the Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State (AMDO) over unresolved welfare, remuneration and conditions-of-service issues.
It said the situation was particularly disturbing because medical workers were being compelled to embark on industrial action over issues bordering on payment of allowances, residency training funds and salary arrears.
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The campaign organisation said resident doctors had demanded the payment of outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund and six months’ Minimum Wage arrears, among other welfare-related issues.
It alleged that the prolonged dispute demonstrated the administration’s failure to attach the necessary urgency to issues affecting the welfare of healthcare workers and effective delivery of medical services to residents.
The organisation said continued industrial action in the health sector could have serious consequences for patients, particularly those who depended on public hospitals for specialised and affordable medical treatment.
It also challenged the government to explain why disputes affecting the health sector had been allowed to persist, saying the welfare of medical personnel should not be treated as a peripheral issue by any administration.
SSACO said the unfolding crisis had further exposed what it described as the Makinde administration’s lackadaisical approach to healthcare, workers’ welfare and the wellbeing of the people of Oyo State, despite repeated claims of improved service delivery.
