The management of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) in Akure, Ondo State, has strongly cautioned the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) against what it described as a disruptive and unnecessary industrial action. The hospital administration dismissed allegations leveled by the union, stating that the strike directive was avoidable given the ongoing dialogue between both parties.
Management Denounces Misrepresentation of Issues
According to the hospital's management, the grievances raised by NUAHP were misrepresented in a manner that could create unnecessary tension within the hospital community and among the public. The union had directed its members to withdraw services over disputes concerning organogram restructuring and the appointment of two deputy chairmen of the Medical Advisory Committee.
Organogram Restructuring for Efficiency
In a statement issued by Tope Fayehun, Head of the Public Relations Unit, the management explained that following the transfer of the facility to the Federal Government, an organogram was developed to align with standard operational structures in federal teaching hospitals nationwide. The restructuring aimed to enhance administrative efficiency, foster professional harmony, and improve healthcare service delivery in line with global best practices.
The management emphasized that all administrative adjustments were carried out within the provisions of public service rules, legal statutes, and approved schemes of service. The changes were designed to strengthen institutional coordination and ensure effective service delivery across all professional departments and units.
23 Resolutions Reached Jointly
The statement highlighted that after several meetings and deliberations, management and the union jointly reached 23 resolutions based on the approved scheme of service for medical laboratory scientists. Management also assured all professionals in the four pathology departments of mutual respect, collaboration, and professional harmony without discrimination or rivalry.
Despite these assurances and agreements, the union unexpectedly resurrected its demand for the creation of a separate Department of Medical Laboratory Services outside the operational structure common in most federal teaching hospitals. The management described this demand as inconsistent with the previously agreed resolutions and urged the union to reconsider its disruptive action in the interest of patients and healthcare delivery.
