NARD threatens indefinite strike at LUTH over call meal dispute

By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that it may launch an indefinite strike at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) because the hospital has not reinstated call meals for resident doctors.

NARD said the dispute, which has persisted for months, could jeopardize healthcare services at one of Nigeria’s busiest tertiary hospitals if the issue is not urgently addressed.

The statement, signed by President Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary‑General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, accused LUTH management of disregarding repeated complaints and a formal ultimatum issued earlier this month.

It recalled that a letter dated June 8, 2026 formally notified the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the ongoing absence of call meals for resident doctors, following resolutions adopted at its May Ordinary General Meeting in Kano.

NARD said the resolution granted LUTH management a three‑week period, starting June 6, to restore call meals or face industrial action.

The association noted that the hospital had not acted despite the warning.

“The refusal to provide call meals to doctors who render essential and emergency healthcare services round the clock is not only insensitive and unacceptable but also a direct affront to basic standards of staff welfare, workplace dignity and institutional responsibility,” the statement read.

NARD described the matter as a long‑standing welfare issue, asserting that doctors who work extended, demanding shifts should not be denied a basic welfare entitlement.

It warned that the ongoing lack of call meals has harmed the morale, wellbeing, and productivity of resident doctors, potentially impacting patient care and emergency response.

“It is intolerable that doctors who undertake prolonged and demanding call duties in one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary health institutions are still being denied such a basic welfare provision,” the association said.

The union added that the dispute occurs amid Nigeria’s healthcare sector already facing manpower shortages, heavy workloads, and ongoing migration of medical professionals abroad.

NARD reported that the Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH, at an emergency congress on June 17, unanimously resolved to align with the national body and prepare for a total, indefinite strike if the issue remains unresolved.

The association urged the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to intervene and instruct LUTH’s Chief Medical Director to restore call meals immediately.

It also warned against victimising or intimidating doctors who participate in lawful union activities.

NARD warned that if the dispute is not resolved before the ultimatum expires, it will have no choice but to activate its strike directive, a step that could severely impact healthcare delivery