LASUTH doctors’ strike could escalate into wider healthcare disruption – NMA warns
Strike by Resident Doctors at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Raises Concerns
Lagos, Nigeria — The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has issued a warning regarding the ongoing strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). The NMA cautioned that without an immediate response, the situation could escalate into a broader healthcare disruption.
The strike, which has been characterized as a three-day warning, stems from the government’s failure to address long-standing welfare issues impacting medical personnel at the hospital.
In a statement released on Thursday, NMA Lagos chairman Dr. Ewonowo Sunday expressed deep concern over the crisis, emphasizing that it was avoidable if stakeholders had been more proactive in addressing the doctors’ legitimate grievances.
While the NMA acknowledged that strike action is often a last resort, it noted that such measures become necessary when prolonged dialogue yields no constructive results. The grievances of resident doctors at LASUTH include the delayed implementation of revised professional allowances, unpaid promotion arrears, and insufficient welfare support for training doctors.
Key demands outlined in the statement include:
- The immediate initiation and timely completion of a modernized Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre at LASUTH.
- The urgent conclusion and implementation of revised professional allowances for doctors in Lagos State.
- The payment of specialist allowances to all eligible Senior Registrar I doctors at LASUTH.
- The immediate settlement of all outstanding advancement and promotion arrears owed to colleagues.
Additionally, the NMA requests the prompt conclusion, approval, and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors.
The statement also called for enhanced security measures to protect healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare facilities across LASUTH and Lagos State.
According to the NMA, these longstanding issues require urgent attention to avoid further deterioration of morale among healthcare staff. The association highlighted that the situation in Lagos reflects a national trend, as resident doctors throughout Nigeria continue to voice similar unresolved welfare concerns.
