The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State chapter, Dr Happy Adedapo, has lamented the exclusion of the association from the Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, despite statutory provisions mandating its representation.
In an exclusive interview with IbadanCity Announcer, Dr Adedapo stated that the association was neither consulted nor invited to nominate a representative during the constitution of the hospital’s Board of Management. He noted that this development contradicts the Act establishing the teaching hospital, which explicitly provides for NMA representation on the governing council.
According to the NMA chairman, the failure of the state government to comply with its own laid-down guidelines raises concerns about due process and stakeholder inclusion in the governance of public health institutions. He disclosed that the position meant for NMA was filled without the association’s involvement, leaving doctors in the state without representation on the board.
Dr Adedapo acknowledged that recent interventions by the Oyo State Government have begun to address the long-standing challenges facing the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. He recalled that following sustained advocacy by the NMA, the governor paid a visit to Ogbomoso to assess the condition of the facility and subsequently made commitments aimed at reviving the hospital.
He noted that some of these promises have been implemented, including adjustments to the minimum wage in line with constitutional provisions, payment of some salary arrears, and the eventual constitution of the governing council.
However, he maintained that meaningful progress in the health sector requires the active involvement of professional bodies such as the NMA. He stressed that doctors are central to healthcare delivery, as they head medical institutions and are directly responsible for patient care across the state.
Dr Adedapo explained that the NMA will consistently sought partnership with the state government to provide informed advice, advocacy, and support for health sector reforms. He warned that when critical stakeholders are excluded from decision-making, the likelihood of policy errors increases, especially when reliance is placed on individuals or contractors who may not fully understand the realities of the healthcare system.
He therefore called on the Oyo State Government to urgently address the omission by ensuring that the Nigerian Medical Association is duly represented on the Governing Council of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, in line with the provisions of the law and in the overall interest of effective healthcare delivery in Oyo State.
