NMA expresses concern over resident doctors’ strike in Lagos.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has voiced concern over the three‑day warning strike currently underway by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

According to the NMA, if the underlying issues that prompted the industrial action are not addressed, the situation could evolve into a broader healthcare crisis affecting Lagos and other parts of the country.

The association released a statement signed by its Lagos Chapter Chairman, Dr Sunday Ewonowo, and Secretary, Dr O.J. Hassan, on Thursday.

In the statement, the NMA said the strike by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at LASUTH was triggered by the Lagos State Government’s failure to resolve long‑standing welfare and professional concerns that affect doctors at the institution.

It described the development as regrettable and avoidable, noting that the industrial action became necessary only after repeated attempts at engagement failed to yield meaningful results.

According to the NMA, the resident doctors at LASUTH are demanding the immediate start and completion of a modernised Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre.

They also call for the urgent implementation of a revised professional allowance for doctors in Lagos State and the payment of a specialist allowance to eligible Senior Registrar I doctors.

Additional demands include improved security for healthcare workers, patients and health facilities, among other issues.

The NMA urged the Lagos State Government, LASUTH management and other stakeholders to engage with the ARD leadership without delay to prevent the dispute from escalating into an indefinite strike.

Beyond LASUTH, the NMA highlighted growing concerns over a 21‑day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) during its May 2026 Ordinary General Meeting in Kano.

The ultimatum, which took effect on 6 June 2026, centres on unresolved welfare issues affecting resident doctors nationwide.

These issues include the non‑disbursement of the 2026 Medical Resident Training Fund (MRTF), outstanding salary, arrears in advancement and promotion, and delays in resolving professional allowance disputes.

Other concerns involve the failure to provide call meals for resident doctors on duty at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

The association noted that NARD specifically directed LUTH management to immediately provide call meals for resident doctors on call duty.

It warned that failure to comply before the ultimatum expires could trigger a total and indefinite strike by the hospital’s resident doctors.

The NMA said it was aware of a communiqué issued by the Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH, following its Emergency General Meeting on 17 June 2026.

It added that members reaffirmed their readiness to proceed with industrial action in line with NARD’s directive if the issues remain unresolved.

 
The NMA stressed that doctors’ welfare is directly linked to the quality of healthcare services available to Nigerians, arguing that an adequately motivated workforce is essential for improved health outcomes.

The association called on the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the managements of LASUTH and LUTH, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently address all outstanding welfare concerns.