The management of the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) in Akure, Ondo State, has issued a strong caution to the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) regarding their recent industrial action. The hospital leadership described the strike as unnecessary and avoidable, particularly given the ongoing dialogue between both parties.
Management Responds to Allegations
In a statement released by the hospital's Head of Public Relations, Tope Fayehun, the management dismissed allegations made by the union as misrepresentations that could create unnecessary tension within the hospital community and among the public. The dispute centers on the restructuring of the hospital's organogram and the appointment of two deputy chairmen of the Medical Advisory Committee.
Restructuring for Efficiency
Following the transfer of the facility to the federal government, the management developed an organogram consistent with operational structures in standard federal teaching hospitals nationwide. Fayehun explained that the objective was to ensure administrative efficiency, professional harmony, and improved healthcare service delivery in line with global best practices.
The management emphasized that all actions were taken within the provisions of extant public service rules, legal statutes, and approved schemes of service. The administrative adjustments were designed to strengthen institutional coordination and ensure effective service delivery across all departments and units.
Previous Agreements and Union Demands
The statement noted that after several meetings, management and the union jointly reached 23 resolutions based on the approved scheme of service for medical laboratory scientists. Management assured all professionals in the four pathology departments of mutual respect, collaboration, and professional harmony without discrimination.
However, the union unexpectedly resurrected its demand for a separate Department of Medical Laboratory Services, which is outside the operational structure of most federal teaching hospitals in the country.
Call for Dialogue
Management views the strike as detrimental to patients, healthcare delivery, and the hospital's transition into a world-class federal teaching hospital. It also clarified that affected staff remain employees of the Ondo State Government until their full transition into the federal system is completed.
The statement urged the union leadership to embrace dialogue, professionalism, and lawful engagement rather than actions that disrupt critical healthcare services to patients in need. FUTATH reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, staff welfare, and quality healthcare delivery, while maintaining cordial relationships with all professional groups and ensuring compliance with established rules and operational standards.
