By CHIDINMA EWUNONU-ALUKO

The Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State (AMDO) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Oyo State Government over outstanding welfare, remuneration and conditions-of-service issues affecting its members.

AMDO also announced a one-week warning strike if the issues are not resolved after the ultimatum.

The association disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Ibadan signed by its Chairman, Dr Solomon Olaoye, saying that the decision followed extensive deliberations at its Annual General Meeting held on Sept. 17.

It said that members at the meeting mandated the Executive Council to pursue urgent resolution of the matters.

AMDO appreciated the opportunity recently provided by government for dialogue on doctors’ welfare and also recognised efforts of the Office of the Head of Service and Ministry of Health.

It particularly appreciated the commencement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) disbursement on Sept. 14.

However, it noted that only about 60 per cent of the expected payment had been disbursed so far, noting that several other critical issues remained unresolved despite repeated correspondence and approvals.

It listed approval and payment of Professional Allowance in line with prevailing remuneration arrangement.

It also listed approval and payment of Accoutrement Allowance which remains outstanding.

It demanded immediate payment of the outstanding balance of the 2026 MRTF.

It demanded formal circularisation and implementation of the Skipping Policy approved on Dec. 27, 2023.

It said that the policy provides entry of Medical Officers at GL13 instead of GL12, as well as entry of Consultants at GL15 Step 4 with consequential adjustments and arrears.

AMDO demanded circularisation of approved Responsibility Allowance equivalent to 10 per cent of basic salary.

It said that the allowance is for non-specialist officers serving as Heads of Government Health Institutions.

It called for restoration of salaries of doctors whose pay was reduced after transfer from hospitals, adding that such movements should constitute deployment or career progression and not punitive reduction.

The association demanded immediate recruitment of Medical Officers into the Hospitals Management Board to address vacancies.

It added that the vacancies resulted from resignations, retirements and other attrition.

It further demanded approval of Inducement and Retention Allowances, each equivalent to 100 per cent of basic salary.

According to them, the allowances would address difficulty in recruiting and retaining doctors in the state.

The association said the 21-day ultimatum expires on Sunday, Oct. 11.

It said it would commence a one-week warning strike from Monday, Oct. 12 to Sunday, Oct. 18 if issues persist.

According to the leadership, the proposed action is intended as a warning and an opportunity for the government to act.

AMDO emphasised that it remains open to dialogue throughout the ultimatum period, expressing hope that swift government intervention will make the industrial action unnecessary.

The association further expressed grave concern that the continuous loss of doctors without replacement is overstretching the remaining workforce and threatening healthcare delivery across the state.

“As the Pacesetter State, Oyo State should set standards in the welfare and retention of its workforce,” the statement concluded.

It further called on government to direct relevant MDAs to implement all outstanding agreements before the ultimatum lapses. (NAN)