Oyo Teaching Hospital Faces Doctor Shortage as Deadline Sparks Fresh Warning

(LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. Photo by Punch News)

Nigeria’s association of resident doctors has raised alarm over serious staff shortages at a major teaching hospital in Oyo State, saying the situation threatens the quality of healthcare and medical training.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors said LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso has lost several resident doctors in recent months without replacements.

Doctors who finished their training have also not been replaced.

The shortage is particularly critical in important areas like anaesthesia, chemical pathology and haematology, which reportedly have no resident doctors at all.

The manpower crisis is affecting the hospital’s ability to train new specialists and deliver quality care to patients.

The association expressed support for the doctors at the hospital and called on the Oyo State Government to urgently fix the staffing problems, improve working conditions and address outstanding welfare issues.

Resident doctors at the hospital are owed several financial benefits including unpaid minimum wage arrears, promotion allowances and professional allowances approved by government.

The Medical Residency Training Fund has also not been released.

Doctors have also asked for improvements to call rooms and rest facilities, and better work-hour regulations to prevent excessive duty schedules and burnout.

The association noted that doctors at LAUTECH suspended industrial action on June 27 after being given eight weeks to see if authorities would address their concerns.

Despite the grace period, most issues remain unresolved.

The doctors have been patient and continued providing healthcare to the community during this time, but the association warned that patience should not be seen as acceptance of neglect.

“Patience must not be mistaken for acceptance of prolonged neglect,” the association said.

The doctors’ ultimatum expires on August 28, 2026. The association is urging the state government to resolve these issues before that date.

If the manpower and welfare problems are not addressed, healthcare delivery and specialist training at the teaching hospital will continue to suffer.