The management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital in Ondo State has voiced strong concerns over the ongoing industrial action by members of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP). The hospital administration stated that the strike is compromising patient safety and undermining essential healthcare delivery at the facility.
Management Expresses Concern
In a statement released by the Head of Public Relations Unit, Tope Fayehun, the hospital emphasized that the strike is unwarranted. The action has created a diagnostic logjam affecting all clinical departments that depend on laboratory investigations for disease confirmation and emergency response.
The statement read in part: "Management regrets the inconveniences and distress this illegal situation may have caused patients and their families and is actively implementing contingency measures to minimize disruption to healthcare services across the institution."
Commitment to Rules and Resolutions
The management reiterated that all administrative decisions have been guided by extant public service rules, government circulars, and the hospital's approved schemes of service. These actions were taken solely to strengthen institutional governance, enhance operational efficiency, and improve patient care delivery.
The hospital noted that previous engagements between management and union representatives yielded 23 mutually agreed resolutions aimed at promoting professional harmony, industrial peace, and improved healthcare outcomes. These resolutions remain valid and available for reference and implementation.
Security Measures Defended
The hospital clarified that the directive requiring staff to submit office and access keys to the Security Unit during industrial action is not punitive but a long-standing administrative and security protocol. This directive is intended to safeguard hospital facilities, protect sensitive medical equipment, and ensure accountability for public assets during service disruptions.
Past experiences during industrial disturbances recorded incidents involving theft and unauthorized removal of hospital property, making such preventive measures necessary.
Appeal to NUAHP
Management appealed to the leadership of NUAHP to place patient welfare above all other considerations and reconsider actions impeding critical clinical services. "We remain committed to maintaining essential healthcare services through alternative operational arrangements and will continue to provide regular updates to staff, patients, and the general public," the statement added.
FUTA Teaching Hospital expressed appreciation for the understanding, patience, and support of the public and reaffirmed its commitment to quality healthcare delivery, institutional accountability, and industrial harmony.
