The Management of Futa Teaching Hospital, Akure has faulted the strike action embarked on by the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) over the demand for the withdrawal of the organogram and the creation of a separate Department of Medical Laboratory Services.
In a statement by its spokesman, Tope Fayehun, the management said the directive issued by the leadership of the NUAHP, instructing its members to withdraw their services from the hospital, effective Monday, is detrimental to the state’s health sector development.
Fayehun stated that the issues raised by the Union are not only being exaggerated but also deliberately misrepresented in a manner that could create unnecessary tension within the hospital community and among the public.
The Management said: “For the avoidance of doubt, following the transfer of the hospital to the Federal Government and the ongoing transition from a UNIMED Teaching Hospital to a Federal Teaching Hospital, Management developed an organogram consistent with the operational structures obtainable in standard Federal Teaching Hospitals across Nigeria.
“The objective of this restructuring is to ensure administrative efficiency, professional harmony, and improved healthcare service delivery in line with global best practices.
“Contrary to the claims of the Union, Management has at no time acted outside the provisions of extant public service rules, relevant circulars, legal statutes, or approved Schemes of Service.
“The appointments and administrative adjustments made so far were carefully designed to strengthen institutional coordination and ensure effective service delivery across all professional departments and units within the hospital.”
Fayehun said the Union had earlier issued a 15-day ultimatum through a letter dated 24th March, 2026, demanding the withdrawal of the organogram and the creation of a separate Department of Medical Laboratory Services. He said the Union also protested the appointment of two Deputy Chairmen, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMACs) for Clinical Services and Diagnostic Services respectively.
Fayehun said the Management invited the Union leadership to several meetings aimed at resolving all concerns amicably while a bipartite committee involving representatives of the Union and the Top Management Committee was also proposed and accepted to clarify Management’s intentions and address all lingering fears.
Despite these efforts, Fayehun said the Union proceeded with industrial actions even before the committee could conclude its engagements.
In his words, “It is important to emphasize that after several meetings and deliberations, Management and the Union jointly reached twenty-three resolutions based on the approved Scheme of Service for Medical Laboratory Scientists.
“Management also assured all professionals working within the four Pathology Departments that there would be mutual respect, collaboration, and professional harmony without discrimination or rivalry.
“Surprisingly, despite these assurances and agreements, the Union resurrected its demand for the creation of a separate Department of Medical Laboratory Services outside the operational structure obtainable in most Federal Teaching Hospitals across the country.
“Management therefore views the current strike action as unnecessary, avoidable, and not in the overall interest of patients, healthcare delivery, and the smooth transition of the hospital into a world-class Federal Teaching Hospital.
“It is important to state that the affected staff remain employees of the Ondo State Government pending the completion of their full transition into the Federal Teaching Hospital system. Management therefore urges the Union leadership to embrace dialogue, professionalism, and lawful engagement rather than actions capable of disrupting critical healthcare services to the helpless patients who need serious care at this period.
“The Management of Futa Teaching Hospital remains committed to fairness, inclusiveness, staff welfare, and the continued delivery of quality healthcare services to the public.
“We also reaffirm our commitment to maintaining cordial relationships with all professional groups within the hospital while ensuring strict compliance with established rules and operational standards guiding Federal Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria.”
