Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State have begun a 14-day warning strike starting Tuesday.

One of their main concerns is the non-payment of seven months' salaries to their new members. During a peaceful protest at the hospital premises, the doctors expressed their determination to continue the strike until the government addresses their grievances.

Dr. John Matthew, the President of UNIMEDTH ARD, highlighted that the new members who recently joined the hospital have not received their salaries. He also mentioned other issues, such as the non-payment of palliative to House Officers since February, failure to distribute the February Hazard Allowance despite promises from the state government, and the shortage of staff due to doctors resigning from the hospital.

Dr. Matthew emphasized the importance of resolving these issues, stating, "We demand full payment of the arrears of salaries owed to our members and payment of the February 2024 palliative to our house officers. Management should pay a February hazard allowance to our members and urgently address the severe clinical manpower shortage in the institution. Our members work every day. There are no staff due to Japan syndrome."

The ARD members are hopeful that their demands will be met, ensuring better working conditions and fair compensation for their services.