The Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to settle the ongoing dispute with striking medical doctors. According to Punch, the opposition argues that the industrial action threatens to disrupt healthcare delivery and leave patients vulnerable to avoidable risks. The party’s stance was detailed in a statement released on Saturday by State Publicity Secretary Olusegun Adewara, who criticized the administration for allegedly neglecting welfare concerns despite a prior 14-day deadline.
Punch reported that the Kwara Doctors Forum, a coalition of three major medical associations, launched a seven-day warning strike on Thursday. This action followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on October 1. Adeola Olasinde, head of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, confirmed that the association’s congress approved the strike on October 14. The medical practitioners are seeking the removal of a two per cent salary deduction for the KwaraCare insurance scheme, the adoption of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and the payment of arrears for accoutrement allowances from 2025 and 2026. They also want the state to hire more house officers, medical officers, residents, and consultants for public health facilities.
In its statement, the PDP described the doctors’ complaints as valid and argued that the government’s silence was insufficient. The party noted that the administration had two weeks to engage the workforce and prevent service interruptions but allegedly failed to do so. Punch noted that the PDP also highlighted poor pay, weak infrastructure, and heavy workloads as factors making it hard to keep experienced staff. The party claimed that Kwara has approximately 362 medical doctors serving a population of 4.2 million, whereas neighbouring Osun State, which it said has a smaller population, has an estimated 1,500 doctors.
The PDP further questioned the reported movement of 200 million naira in cash by the governor for political purposes, suggesting these funds could be better used for medical equipment and infrastructure. The party warned that a long strike could hurt access to emergency and specialist care, urging the administration to take quick steps to bring the doctors back to work.