Medical doctors have commenced a three-day warning strike in Lagos.
The strike began today in protest against what they described as “illegal and disrespectful” salary deductions carried out by the state.
The strike was announced by the Medical Guild, the umbrella body representing medical and dental practitioners in Lagos State public service. According to the Guild, the industrial action will run from 8am today until 8am on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Guild’s secretariat in Lagos, Chairman Dr Japhet Olugbogi said the decision to down tools followed several unsuccessful efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue with the government.
He said the controversy began in April when the government unilaterally deducted portions of doctors’ salaries. Although those deductions were reversed after what he described as “spirited intervention and strategic engagement,” the situation resurfaced in July with new deductions, “this time without prior notice or explanation.”
The Guild outlined key demands, including the immediate reversal of the July deductions and full payment of the 12-month revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the doctors’ strike.
However, acknowledging the issues raised by the Medical Guild, the Lagos State Ministry of Health said the government was reviewing “all grievances of the doctors with utmost sincerity and urgency.”
“Negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing,” said Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the ministry.
“This is the first time the ministry is experiencing such a development in recent years and the government is particularly concerned about the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers across the state.
“A conciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the Government, was previously constituted to resolve all outstanding issues. Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations.
“As a responsible Government, we value the critical role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely health services to the over 20 million residents of Lagos State. We urge the Medical Guild to continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution in the interest of all parties, especially the residents who may bear the brunt of any service disruption.”
The ministry further appealed to the doctors to suspend the strike action and allow discussions to proceed.
“The Lagos State Ministry of Health therefore appeals to the Medical Guild to reconsider its decision on the warning strike and allow the ongoing discussions to reach a fruitful conclusion. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu remains committed to promoting the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring industrial harmony within the health sector.
“We thank the people of Lagos for their patience and understanding and assure the public that contingency plans are being put in place to minimize any impact on healthcare services during this period.”
