Osun Doctors protest pay slash

Doctors in Osun state are protesting unpaid salary arrears and poor hospital conditions. The doctors, members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), trooped out from the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital and moved to the popular Old Garage. The procession moved to the Ola-Iya junction and terminated at Oke-Fia roundabout in the state capital Osogbo. […]

Doctors in Osun state are protesting unpaid salary arrears and poor hospital conditions.

The doctors, members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), trooped out from the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital and moved to the popular Old Garage.

The procession moved to the Ola-Iya junction and terminated at Oke-Fia roundabout in the state capital Osogbo.

They said the state government illegally slashed their salaries, calling the action of Gov Rauf Aregbesola unacceptable.

Chairman of NMA in Osun, Dr. Tokunbo Olajumoke, said despite the mutilation of their salaries, state government was taxing them based on 100 percent of the salaries.

He said the doctors could not meet their financial obligations despite that they work very hard.

In their protest chants, they described Aregbesola as callous and cruel.

“Our protest is not only centred on our salaries but state hospitals lack equipment and drugs,” said Olajumoke.

“The conditions of our hospitals are bad. There are no drugs; the most expensive drugs in many hospitals are paracetamol and other painkillers.

“We say no to obnoxious tax regime, we say no to amputated salaries and we want our hospitals to work in the interest of the people, who cannot afford to seek treatment abroad.”

After the protest, the doctors are looking toward more “drastic action,” he said.

“That is why we are calling on major stakeholders in the state to talk to the governor. We cannot give half treatment to our patients because we are being paid amputated salaries.”