The management of the FUTA Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), Akure, Ondo State, has refuted allegations levelled against it by the leadership of organised labour in Ondo State, describing the claims as false and misleading.

 

In a statement issued following an emergency meeting of labour leaders held on Thursday, the public relations officer of the hospital, Temitope Fayehun, rejected the allegation contained in the communiqué.

 

According to the management, its actions throughout the transition from state to federal ownership have been in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) governing the process and all extant federal government regulations.

 

The management reassured members of staff, patients and the general public that the IPPIS capturing exercise has been conducted transparently, fairly and in line with procedures approved by the appropriate federal government authorities.

 

The hospital expressed concern that recent actions by some labour leaders, including disruptions to clinical services and attempts to interfere with the smooth operation of the hospital, have the potential to endanger patients who depend on the facility for life-saving medical care.

 

While reaffirming its commitment to resolving every legitimate concern affecting members of staff, the management maintained that constructive dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to due process remain the most appropriate means of addressing issues arising from the transition into the federal system.

 

Fayehun noted that the hospital administration observed that there are indications that certain vested interests, motivated by political considerations and personal agendas, may be attempting to influence organised labour to pursue objectives that do not reflect the collective interests of workers.

 

The statement read in parts, “As a federal government health institution, matters relating to staff integration into the federal payroll remain administrative processes being handled through established government channels and cannot be resolved through intimidation, disruption of hospital activities or industrial actions capable of jeopardising the delivery of essential healthcare services.

 

“The management expressed concern that recent actions by some labour leaders, including disruptions to clinical services and attempts to interfere with the smooth operation of the hospital, have the potential to endanger patients who depend on the facility for life-saving medical care, emphasising that the welfare of patients must remain paramount at all times.

 

“While reaffirming its commitment to resolving every legitimate concern affecting members of staff, management maintained that constructive dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to due process remain the most appropriate means of addressing issues arising from the transition into the federal system.

 

“Management urged organised labour, if its actions are genuinely motivated by the welfare of workers, to embrace constructive engagement, present verifiable facts and pursue lawful dialogue with the appropriate federal government authorities rather than actions capable of disrupting healthcare services, creating unnecessary public anxiety and putting patients at risk.

 

“The hospital stressed that the people of Ondo State deserve a peaceful, stable and efficient healthcare system. It called on all stakeholders to support a smooth, transparent and lawful transition that safeguards both the welfare of staff and the interests of patients.

 

“Management reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, industrial harmony and the welfare of every legitimate member of staff.

 

“It pledged to continue working with all relevant federal government agencies to ensure that every eligible employee receives fair treatment in accordance with extant regulations and the agreed transition framework.”