FG Launches Investigation into Unpaid Salaries Crisis at OAUTH

In response to the prolonged crisis of unpaid salaries at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has mandated the establishment of a Joint Action Committee to investigate the matter, as revealed in a statement by Patricia Deworitshe, the Director of Media and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

This development comes after Osun Defender reported in November 2023 that medical staff at OAUTH had called on the authorities to intervene in their plight, highlighting 10 months of unpaid salaries that had forced them into dire financial situations, resorting to begging to sustain their families.

The statement noted, "The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is fully aware of the lingering crisis at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) over the issue of unpaid staff salaries. On the directive of the Honourable Coordinating Minister, Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, a Joint Action Committee has been set up and is currently investigating the matter."

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The committee aims to release its findings within the next 10 days, providing clear recommendations for a fair and equitable resolution to the problem. Expressing concern for the affected individuals, the statement urged patience, assuring a judicious unraveling of the matter to prevent such situations in the future.

As the investigation unfolds, the government emphasizes its commitment to addressing the challenges faced by healthcare workers, acknowledging the impact of the crisis on both individuals and the broader health sector.