LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has warned that the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) could escalate into a broader healthcare crisis if urgent action is not taken.
The strike, declared by the Association of Resident Doctors, LASUTH, stems from what the doctors described as the failure of relevant authorities to address longstanding welfare concerns affecting medical personnel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Ewonowo Sunday, described the industrial action as unfortunate and avoidable, blaming delays in negotiations for the breakdown in dialogue.
He warned that unresolved welfare issues could trigger wider disruptions in healthcare services.
“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,” he said.
The association stated that the doctors are demanding the implementation of revised professional allowances, payment of promotion arrears, specialist allowances for eligible senior registrars, approval of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, teaching allowances for registrars and house officers, and improved security within the hospital.
Additionally, the doctors seek the completion of the new Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre at LASUTH.
“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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NMA added that the dispute reflects wider concerns within Nigeria’s health sector.
It referenced the 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances and residency training funds, alongside similar welfare-related grievances at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
The NMA warned that failure to resolve the LASUTH dispute could spark additional industrial actions capable of disrupting healthcare delivery across Lagos and beyond.
“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 added.
The association stressed that improving doctors welfare is essential to maintaining quality healthcare services, noting that a motivated workforce remains critical to achieving better patient outcomes.
Meanwhile, the NMA urged resident doctors to remain calm, professional, and law-abiding while discussions continue with the relevant authorities.
“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,” the association noted.
Ultimately, the development has renewed concerns about the impact of unresolved welfare challenges on Nigeria’s healthcare system, with stakeholders calling for urgent intervention to prevent further disruption of medical services.
