Ondo Doctors Issue Eight-Day Ultimatum Over Welfare Concerns
Medical services in Ondo State are on the brink of potential disruption as doctors affiliated with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) have delivered an eight-day ultimatum to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This action stems from unresolved welfare issues and unpaid allowances that have persisted for months, threatening to further strain an already fragile healthcare system.
Failed Engagements and Growing Frustration
The NMA has expressed deep frustration over failed attempts to engage with the state government, warning that continued inaction could lead to severe consequences for public health. According to Muyiwa Alonge, Chairman of the NMA in Ondo State, doctors are operating under immense pressure due to manpower shortages, delayed entitlements, and deteriorating working conditions across public health facilities.
Key grievances include:
- Non-implementation of two Federal Government-approved welfare directives from 2025, covering salary adjustments and accoutrement allowances, which are already operational in other states.
- Outstanding promotion allowances dating back to 2024 that remain unpaid, significantly affecting morale among health workers.
Impact of the "Japa" Trend and Overstretched Workforce
The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing "japa" trend, where Nigerian medical professionals migrate abroad, leading to a reduced workforce in state-owned hospitals. In Ondo, this has resulted in a limited number of doctors handling overwhelming responsibilities, often managing entire hospital units with minimal support.
The pressure on doctors is beginning to reflect on service delivery, as overstretched personnel struggle to balance clinical duties with personal wellbeing and professional growth. Additionally, infrastructural challenges, such as outdated or insufficient medical equipment, force doctors to improvise in critical situations, further compromising patient care.
Demands and Potential Consequences
The NMA has outlined several demands, including the immediate enforcement of the revised salary structure with full arrears, payment of accoutrement allowances, settlement of outstanding promotion benefits, and recruitment of additional health workers to address manpower gaps. Despite repeated formal correspondence and meetings since late 2025, the association reports little concrete action from the government.
While acknowledging the potential fallout from industrial action, the NMA warns that the current state of the health sector poses a greater long-term risk to residents if left unaddressed. Doctors plan to reconvene on April 28, 2026, at the expiration of the ultimatum, to determine their next steps, which may include a withdrawal of services.
However, the association urges the state government to act swiftly to restore confidence in the system, emphasizing that timely intervention could prevent a full-scale crisis in public healthcare delivery and ensure sustainable medical services for Ondo residents.
