FUTA Teaching Hospital calls for calm, urges union to halt planned strike

—-Defends reforms, says allegations are unfounded, misleading

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Management of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTA Teaching Hospital) has dismissed allegations by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Ondo State Council, describing them as unfounded and misleading.

Recall that the union leaders which accused the management of arbitrary staff removals, forceful transfers, and intimidation had issues a notice of withdrawal of service.

But in a swift reaction, the hospital, Head, Public Relations, Tope Fayehun, said in Akure, that ” the assertions are unfounded and do not reflect the transparent and collaborative processes in place

Fayehun, in a statement, said that “Before the ceding of the old hospital to the Federal Government and the appointment of the current Management, the people of Ondo State and beyond would testify that the hospital had struggled, hampered by inefficiencies that fueled health tourism and compelled residents to seek treatment outside the state.

“Notably, the hospital was handed over to the Federal Government to be restructured so it could be made to function as a Federal tertiary medical Centre.

” The Management, under the direction and backing of the Federal Ministry of Health, has been making deliberate strides to upgrade facilities, enhance coordination, and strengthen regulatory oversight and directly address organizational gaps so as to position the hospital to deliver superior healthcare services to her patients and customers.

“We urge NUAHP Executives and members to shelve their planned action and rather engage constructively with Management through the ongoing dialogue channels.

“Your cooperation is and would continue to be vital to sustaining the current momentum of progress and the transitioning process while ensuring an uninterrupted compassionate care for our patients.

Fayehun added that the reforms being implemented have been acknowledged by other categories of workers.

While appealing for calm, he urged the union members to suspend the planned industrial action and embrace ongoing dialogue mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues.

He said that the management “ remain open to constructive engagement and amicable resolution in the interest of sustaining progress and ensuring uninterrupted, compassionate care for our patients.

” The hospital management reaffirmed its commitment to staff welfare, quality healthcare delivery, and ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the facility as a leading federal tertiary health institution.

“We remain fully committed to the welfare of our staff, the delivery of world-class healthcare, and elevating Futa Teaching Hospital to the customary standards of the leading teaching hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.

” Futa Teaching Hospital operates strictly within the established frameworks and best practises that are applicable to all Federal Teaching Hospitals across the country.

“Every action taken by the current Management aligns with these standards which are aimed at optimising service delivery for patients who travel from far and wide, seeking quality care.

“We categorically deny all allegations levelled against the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and Management, including claims of arbitrary staff removals, forceful transfers, department scrapping, capricious demotions, inappropriate appointments, intimidation, or oppression.

Fayehun added that “the Management of the Futa Teaching Hospital remains open to dialogue and amicable resolution and invites all stakeholders to witness our dedication firsthand. Together, we can build a hospital that stands tall among her peers, nationwide.