AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA — The management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), Ondo State, has condemned the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by workers of the institution, describing it as disruptive to healthcare delivery and patient care services.
In an official response, the hospital management expressed concern over the strike action, noting that it has affected normal operations and limited access to essential medical services for patients who rely on the facility for treatment.
The management stated that while it acknowledges the rights of workers to express grievances and engage in negotiations, industrial action should be considered a last resort, particularly in the health sector where lives are at stake.
According to the hospital authorities, efforts have been made to engage with representatives of the workers to address outstanding issues through dialogue and administrative channels. However, the escalation into a strike action, they said, has created operational challenges within the institution.
The management appealed to the striking workers to reconsider their position and return to work while discussions continue, emphasizing that sustained disruption could endanger patients requiring urgent and continuous medical attention.
It further stressed that the hospital remains committed to resolving all legitimate concerns raised by staff through peaceful and structured negotiations, in line with established labour relations procedures.
Healthcare administrators at the facility noted that teaching hospitals play a critical role in medical training, research, and patient care, and any interruption in services could have wider implications for both students and the general public.
The management also called on relevant labour authorities and stakeholders to intervene where necessary to facilitate a resolution and restore normal operations at the institution.
Meanwhile, patients and visitors at the hospital have reportedly experienced delays and reduced services due to the industrial action, prompting concerns about access to timely medical care.
Labour relations experts have often emphasized the importance of maintaining essential services during disputes in critical sectors such as healthcare, where strikes can have immediate and severe consequences on human life.
As discussions continue, the hospital management reiterated its readiness to resume dialogue with the workers’ representatives in order to reach an amicable resolution that balances staff welfare with uninterrupted healthcare delivery.
