The Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State branch, has expressed concern over the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
The NMA warned that the industrial action could escalate into a wider healthcare disruption if urgent steps are not taken.
The strike, embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors, LASUTH, followed what the doctors described as the failure of the Lagos State Government and relevant authorities to address long-standing welfare issues affecting medical personnel in the hospital.
In a statement issued by the NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Ewonowo Sunday, on Thursday, the association described the development as “deeply unfortunate but avoidable,” blaming prolonged delays in negotiations for the breakdown in industrial harmony.
“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.
While acknowledging that strike action remains a last resort, the NMA said it often becomes inevitable when sustained dialogue fails to produce meaningful results.
According to the association, the grievances of resident doctors at LASUTH include delayed implementation of revised professional allowances, unpaid promotion arrears and inadequate welfare support for training doctors.
Among the issues raised are the urgent completion of the new Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre, payment of specialist allowances to eligible 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. The doctors are also demanding the payment of teaching allowances to registrars and house officers, as well as improved security measures within the hospital environment.
“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.
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.
It referenced ongoing tensions within the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, which has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, residency training funds, and other welfare issues affecting medical practitioners nationwide.
Also cited were similar disputes at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where doctors have demanded improved working conditions, including provision of call meals for doctors on duty.
According to the NMA, failure to resolve these issues could trigger a chain reaction of industrial actions that may severely disrupt healthcare delivery across Lagos and beyond.
The association urged the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and hospital management authorities to engage urgently with striking doctors to prevent further escalation.
“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.
It warned that continued delays could lead to a broader healthcare crisis, stressing that the welfare of doctors is directly linked to the quality of care received by patients.
“A motivated and adequately supported workforce remains indispensable to the attainment of optimal healthcare outcomes,” the association added.
Despite the concerns, the NMA Lagos leadership urged resident doctors to remain calm and professional while dialogue continues with relevant authorities.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement aimed at ensuring both improved welfare for medical workers and uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.
“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.