Strike Threat: FUTA Teaching Hospital Rejects Claims, Calls for Constructive Engagement

Fidelis David in Akure 

Tension is brewing at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital as its management has responded firmly to a notice of service withdrawal issued by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Ondo State Council, denying allegations of misconduct and calling for continued dialogue.

In a statement released on Sunday by the hospital’s Head of Public Relations, Tope Fayehun, the management reiterated its commitment to staff welfare and quality healthcare delivery, describing the claims against its leadership as “unfounded and misleading.”

“We remain fully committed to the welfare of our staff, the delivery of world-class healthcare, and elevating FUTA Teaching Hospital to the customary standards of leading teaching hospitals in Nigeria and beyond,” the statement noted.

The hospital stressed its operations strictly adhered to established frameworks guiding federal tertiary health institutions across the country.

According to the management, all decisions taken are in line with best practices aimed at improving patient care.

“Every action taken by the current management aligns with these standards aimed at optimising service delivery for patients who travel from far and wide, seeking quality care,” it added.

Responding directly to the union’s allegations, the management dismissed claims of arbitrary staff removals, forceful transfers, departmental restructuring, and intimidation.

“We categorically deny all allegations levelled against the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and management, including claims of arbitrary staff removals, forceful transfers, department scrapping, capricious demotions, inappropriate appointments, intimidation, or oppression.

“These assertions are unfounded, misleading, and do not accurately reflect the collaborative and transparent processes in place”, the statement said.

The management also pointed to the hospital’s past challenges prior to its transition to a federal institution, noting that inefficiencies had previously driven patients to seek medical care outside Ondo State.

“Before the ceding of the old hospital to the Federal Government, the hospital had struggled, hampered by inefficiencies that fueled health tourism,” the statement noted.

It explained the ongoing reforms backed by the Federal Ministry of Health are designed to reposition the facility as a fully functional tertiary medical centre.

“The management has been making deliberate strides to upgrade facilities, enhance coordination, and strengthen regulatory oversight to deliver superior healthcare services,” it added.

Amid the looming industrial action, the hospital appealed to union leaders and members to reconsider their stance and embrace dialogue.

“We urge NUAHP Executives and members to shelve their planned action and rather engage constructively with management through the ongoing dialogue channels,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its openness to engagement, the management stressed that collaboration remains key to sustaining progress and ensuring uninterrupted patient care.

“The management remains open to dialogue and amicable resolution and invites all stakeholders to witness our dedication firsthand. Together, we can build a hospital that stands tall among her peers, nationwide.”