The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State chapter, has voiced concern over the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), cautioning that the dispute could trigger broader disruptions within the healthcare system if not urgently addressed.
The industrial action was initiated by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LASUTH, following what the doctors described as the Lagos State Government’s failure, alongside other relevant authorities, to resolve lingering welfare-related issues affecting medical personnel at the institution.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Lagos NMA Chairman, Dr. Ewonowo Sunday, the association described the strike as an unfortunate development that could have been prevented had concerns raised by the doctors received timely attention.
“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 read.
Although the association acknowledged that industrial action is usually considered a final option, it noted that such measures often become unavoidable when repeated engagements fail to produce concrete outcomes.
According to the NMA, the resident doctors’ grievances revolve around delayed implementation of revised professional allowances, unpaid promotion-related benefits, and inadequate welfare provisions for doctors undergoing residency training.
The association listed several demands put forward by the doctors, including the completion of the proposed Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre, payment of specialist allowances to qualified senior registrars, settlement of outstanding promotion arrears, and approval of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
“The issues that culminated in the warning strike 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. Immediate payment of all outstanding advancement and promotion arrears owed to members.
Prompt conclusion, approval, and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all eligible resident doctors.
“Payment of Teaching Allowance to all Registrars and House Officers at LASUTH. Strengthening of security measures and protection for healthcare workers, patients, and health facilities across LASUTH and Lagos State.”
In addition to these demands, the doctors are seeking teaching allowances for registrars and house officers, as well as stronger security arrangements within the hospital.
“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 noted.
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The association further stated that the situation at LASUTH mirrors similar challenges being experienced across the country, where resident doctors have continued to push for improved welfare conditions.
It pointed to the 21-day ultimatum recently issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to the Federal Government over unresolved issues, including unpaid allowances and residency training funding.
The NMA also referenced ongoing concerns at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where doctors have called for better working conditions, including the provision of call meals for medical personnel on duty.
Warning of the possible consequences of prolonged inaction, the association said unresolved welfare concerns could spark additional industrial actions capable of significantly affecting healthcare services in Lagos and other parts of the country.
The NMA therefore appealed to the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the management of LASUTH and LUTH, and other stakeholders to urgently engage with the doctors and resolve the outstanding issues.
“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 association stressed that doctors’ welfare directly influences the quality of healthcare delivery and warned against delays that could deepen the crisis.
“A motivated and adequately supported workforce remains indispensable to the attainment of optimal healthcare outcomes,” the association added.
Despite its concerns, the Lagos NMA urged resident doctors to remain professional and maintain calm while discussions continue.
The association reiterated its commitment to pursuing constructive dialogue aimed at securing better welfare conditions for healthcare workers while ensuring uninterrupted medical services for residents.
“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,” it said.