Chei....Doctors Shut Down Ondo Hospitals Over Non-payment of 5 Months Salaries

Medical and non-medical activities in allthe government hospitals in Ondo were yesterday grounded as doctors in the employment of the government shut down all hospitals in the state.Many of the patients receiving treatment in the hospitals were affected by the development as they were left unattended to. The doctors also staged a peaceful protest to express their anger on the non-payment of their five months salaries by the government.The medical personnel, including pharmacists, nurses, laboratory scientists and other allied health workers in the statemarch round major streets in Ondo town during the protest.The doctors, who converged on the Mother and Child Hospital, Ondo as early as 7.00am, closed the gate leading to the hospital and prevented any activity from taking place.The health workers who abandoned their duty posts across the state carried placards with various inscriptions including “Pay our salaries, shall we die before you pay us?  We are saving lives, pay our salaries and safe us from hunger,” among others.The Osemawe of Ondo kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo who addressed the protesters at his palace, said he would personally meet with Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who also is a medical doctor on the plight of the health personnel.He said the state government could not afford to play with the health of the people of the state, hence the need for instant action on the matter.However, the health workers vowed to continue with the protest until their five months salaries are fully paid.