Lagos Doctors’ Strike Leaves Patients Stranded as Salary Dispute Escalates

Healthcare Services Disrupted as Medical Guild Begins Three-Day Warning Strike

Patients and their families found themselves stranded at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on Monday as medical doctors employed by the state government commenced a three-day warning strike. The industrial action, declared by the Medical Guild, comes in protest against what the doctors describe as “illegal and disrespectful salary deductions” by the Lagos State Treasury Office.

Skeletal Services Continue Amidst Strike Action

Our correspondent observed that while emergency services remained operational at several General Hospitals, including the facility in Ifako-Ijaye, outpatient clinics were completely shut down. The strike, which began at 8 a.m. on Monday, is expected to continue through Thursday unless a resolution is reached between the doctors and state authorities.

Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman of the Medical Guild – the umbrella body for medical and dental practitioners in Lagos State’s public service – explained that the decision to strike followed months of unsuccessful negotiations. “This action is our last resort after exhausting all diplomatic channels,” Olugbogi stated during a press conference at the Guild’s secretariat.

Roots of the Conflict

The salary dispute first emerged in April when state government officials made unilateral deductions from doctors’ paychecks. While these initial deductions were eventually reversed following what Olugbogi called “spirited intervention,” the problem resurfaced in July with fresh deductions implemented without prior notice or explanation.

The doctors have presented several key demands to the state government:

• Immediate reversal of the July salary deductions
• Full payment of 12-month arrears for the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) owed to honorary consultants at LASUTH
• Clear communication regarding salary structures and deductions

Government Response and Appeal for Dialogue

The Lagos State government has responded with an appeal for the doctors to return to negotiations. In a statement issued by Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government acknowledged the doctors’ concerns while emphasizing its commitment to resolving the dispute.

“We assure the general public that all grievances of the doctors are currently being looked into with utmost sincerity and urgency,” Ogunbanwo stated. He noted that this marks the first such labor dispute in recent years and reaffirmed the government’s concern for healthcare workers’ welfare.

Contingency Plans and Public Impact

While emergency services continue to operate, the strike has significantly impacted routine healthcare services across Lagos. The state government has promised to implement contingency plans to minimize disruption, though many patients report being turned away from outpatient clinics.

The statement from the Ministry of Health revealed that a Conciliation Committee comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the government had been established to resolve outstanding issues. “Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations,” Ogunbanwo added.

Governor’s Commitment to Healthcare Workers

The government statement concluded with an assurance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to healthcare workers’ welfare and industrial harmony. “Governor Sanwo-Olu remains dedicated to promoting the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring stability within the health sector,” Ogunbanwo emphasized.

As negotiations continue, both sides have expressed hope for a swift resolution. The Medical Guild maintains that the warning strike serves as a final attempt to draw attention to their grievances before considering more prolonged industrial action.

The public has been advised to seek non-emergency medical care at private facilities during the strike period, while emergency cases continue to be handled at government hospitals.

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