The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has raised concerns over the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), warning that the industrial action could trigger a broader disruption of healthcare services if urgent intervention is not made.
The strike, initiated by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LASUTH, stems from what doctors describe as the failure of the Lagos State Government and relevant authorities to address longstanding welfare concerns affecting medical personnel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr Ewonowo Sunday, described the situation as “deeply unfortunate but avoidable,” attributing the crisis to prolonged delays in resolving issues raised by the resident doctors.
“We view this development with deep concern. Regrettably, this crisis was avoidable if all concerned stakeholders had been more proactive and responsive in addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the resident doctors,” the statement said.
The association acknowledged that industrial action is usually a last resort but noted that it often becomes unavoidable when prolonged dialogue fails to produce meaningful outcomes.
Key Welfare Demands
According to the NMA, the doctors’ demands include the implementation of revised professional allowances, payment of outstanding promotion arrears and improved welfare support for doctors undergoing residency training.
The association listed several priority issues requiring immediate attention, including:
- Immediate commencement and completion of the modernised Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre at LASUTH.
- Urgent implementation of revised professional allowances for doctors in Lagos State.
- Payment of specialist allowances to eligible Senior Registrar I doctors.
- Settlement of all outstanding advancement and promotion arrears.
- Approval and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- Payment of teaching allowances to registrars and house officers.
- Strengthening security measures for healthcare workers, patients and hospital facilities.
“These issues are not new. They are long-standing concerns that require urgent attention to prevent further deterioration of morale among healthcare workers,” the NMA stated.
Fears Of Nationwide Ripple Effect
The association warned that the LASUTH crisis reflects broader challenges confronting healthcare workers across Nigeria.
It pointed to similar tensions involving the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which recently issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, residency training funds and other welfare concerns.
The NMA also referenced ongoing disputes at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where doctors have called for improved working conditions, including the provision of call meals for medical personnel on duty.
According to the association, failure to resolve these disputes could trigger a chain reaction of industrial actions that may significantly disrupt healthcare delivery across Lagos and other parts of the country.
NMA Calls For Urgent Intervention
The association urged the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, LASUTH management and other stakeholders to immediately engage with the striking doctors.
“We therefore call on the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the management of LASUTH and LUTH, and all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly and constructively to address all outstanding welfare issues,” the statement said.
The NMA stressed that doctors’ welfare directly impacts patient care and overall healthcare outcomes.
“A motivated and adequately supported workforce remains indispensable to the attainment of optimal healthcare outcomes,” it added.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the association appealed to resident doctors to remain professional and law-abiding while discussions continue.
“We appeal to all our members to remain calm, united, professional, and law-abiding as efforts continue towards achieving an amicable resolution of all outstanding issues.”
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