Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described the strike embarked upon by resident doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu as “irresponsible and politically motivated”.
Abiodun said he found the decision of the Association of Resident Doctors to embark on strike on weekends as “disturbing, shocking and a breach of trust”.
He noted that the government provides health workers in the state with personal protective equipment and had increased the hazard allowance of all doctors by 300 percent.
But expressed worry that medical doctors were demanding pay rise despite the effect of COVID-19 on the economy.
“Surprisingly, over the weekend, I was informed that they have begun a warning strike. I found this very irresponsible that any set of doctors at this point in time, in the history of this nation and this state, after having sat down with the government at the highest level.
“I find it difficult that at this time when we are all putting our thinking caps on, trying to figure out what to do and how to do it that any set of people would be irresponsibly requesting for a wage increase…I am very disappointed.
“I am beginning to wonder, as being speculated, that this may actually have political inclinations, that these people might be politically sponsored. I am yet to believe it but at this time, anything is believable,” he said, adding that his administration would not be subject to blackmail.
The PUNCH reports that ARD OOUTH, Sagamu had penultimate Friday announced the decision following the state government’s alleged refusal to yield to their demand for improved welfare package.
Prior to this, the association had embarked on a three-day warning strike, a development that led to the formation of a negotiation meeting between the association and the government.
