LASUTH doctors’ strike could escalate into wider healthcare disruption – NMA warns

Following the ongoing strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has warned that, if an urgent response is not provided, it could escalate into a wider healthcare disruption.

DAILY POST recalls that the resident doctors had embarked on a three-day warning strike over the failure of the government and relevant authorities to address long-standing welfare issues affecting medical personnel in the hospital.

Reacting on Thursday in a statement by the NMA Lagos chairman, Dr Ewonowo Sunday, the association said, “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.”

While acknowledging that strike action remains a last resort, the NMA said it often becomes inevitable when sustained dialogue fails to produce meaningful results, adding that the grievances of resident doctors at LASUTH include delayed implementation of revised professional allowances, unpaid promotion arrears and inadequate welfare support for training doctors.

The issues and demands that culminated in the warning strike, according to the statement, include immediate commencement, construction, and timely completion of the newly modernised Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre at LASUTH; ‎urgent conclusion and implementation of the revised Professional Allowance for doctors in Lagos State; payment of specialist allowance to all eligible Senior Registrar I doctors at LASUTH; and ‎immediate payment of all outstanding advancement and promotion arrears owed to members. ‎

Also listed as part of the issue was the prompt conclusion, approval, and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all eligible resident doctors.

‎

Other demands include the strengthening of security measures and protection for healthcare workers, patients, and health facilities across LASUTH and Lagos State.

According to the statement, these issues are not new but long-standing concerns that require urgent attention to prevent further deterioration of morale among healthcare workers.

The association warned that the situation in Lagos reflects a broader national pattern, as resident doctors across the country continue to issue ultimatums over similar unresolved welfare concerns.