NMA Raises Concern Over LASUTH Doctors’ Warning Strike, Urges Swift Resolution
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has expressed concern over the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), warning that the industrial action could escalate into a broader healthcare disruption if urgent steps are not taken.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Ewonowo Sunday, the association described the development as “deeply unfortunate but avoidable,” attributing the breakdown in industrial harmony to prolonged delays in addressing welfare-related grievances of medical personnel.
“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.
The resident doctors embarked on the warning strike under the Association of Resident Doctors, LASUTH, following what they described as the failure of relevant authorities to implement agreed welfare and training-related commitments.
The NMA noted that while strike action remains a last resort, it often becomes inevitable when sustained dialogue fails to produce meaningful outcomes.
According to the association, the doctors’ demands include the completion of the new Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre, payment and implementation of revised professional allowances, settlement of promotion arrears, approval and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, and payment of specialist and teaching allowances for eligible doctors.
It also listed improved security measures within LASUTH as part of the outstanding concerns affecting healthcare workers.
“These issues are not new. They are long-standing concerns that require urgent attention to prevent further deterioration of morale among healthcare workers,” the association stated.
The NMA further warned that similar unresolved disputes across the health sector could trigger wider industrial actions, noting ongoing tensions involving resident doctors at other teaching hospitals, including demands related to unpaid allowances and welfare provisions.
The association urged the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and hospital management authorities to urgently engage with the striking doctors to prevent further escalation and ensure stability in healthcare delivery.
“A motivated and adequately supported workforce remains indispensable to the attainment of optimal healthcare outcomes,” the statement added.
While calling for swift government intervention, the NMA also appealed to resident doctors to remain calm and professional as negotiations continue, reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement and resolution of the dispute.
“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.
NMA Raises Concern Over LASUTH Doctors’ Warning Strike, Urges Swift Resolution