The reconciliation meeting between the Federal Ministry of Health and aggrieved workers of the FUTA Teaching Hospital failed to hold as schedule on Friday following absence of the labour leaders.

 

The intervention team, comprising senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Health led by the Deputy Director and Residence Labour Desk Officer, Igbinosun Festus, had prepared for an interface with workers and union executives before the sudden change of events.

 

The meeting was intended to be a decisive step towards addressing the grievances that have plunged the newly transitioned federal health facility into recurring industrial crises.

 

However, proceedings were abruptly stalled when it became clear that the labour leadership was absent with the federal government team disclosing that the unions had requested a postponement through a letter dated July 23, 2026, citing “unavoidable engagements” as the reason for their non-attendance.

 

The letter, signed by the Ondo State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Clement Fatuase, was addressed to the leader of the intervention team and copied to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health.

 

The labour leaders requested that the meeting be rescheduled to any date convenient for the Minister’s representatives, allowing the union leadership to fully participate in the resolution of the industrial disputes.

 

In his address to the Minister’s representatives, the Chief Medical Director of FUTATH, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, commended the federal government’s dedication to resolving the disputes and restoring industrial harmony at the institution.

 

Ojo disclosed that the crisis stemmed from the implementation of approved federal teaching hospital structures and administrative reforms following the transition from the former UNIMED Teaching Hospital into a federal institution.

 

He noted that while these reforms were essential for the hospital’s development, they had triggered disagreements with some labour union leaders.

 

“Management has been implementing the approved Federal Teaching Hospital structure and administrative reforms as directed by the Federal Ministry of Health. While these reforms are essential to the development of the Hospital, they have unfortunately generated disagreements between some Labour Union leaders and us,” the CMD stated.

 

He assured stakeholders that management had consistently engaged the union leadership through dialogue and meetings, but lamented that the hospital had witnessed repeated industrial actions and disruptions to clinical services before established dispute resolution mechanisms were fully exhausted.

 

Ojo emphasised that FUTATH is still in its formative stage as a federal institution and that the government continues to invest substantial resources in its development, including the payment of staff salaries. He appealed for sustained industrial peace, stressing that it is essential for achieving the hospital’s mandate of healthcare delivery, teaching, and research.

 

The CMD reiterated management’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy, constructive engagement, and strict adherence to due process in addressing staff concerns.

 

“Our collective responsibility is to protect the interests of patients, staff, and the Federal Government by creating an environment that promotes uninterrupted healthcare services and institutional growth.

 

“We therefore appeal for a peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues and a renewed commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and the continued development of the FUTA Teaching Hospital, Akure.