LASUTH Doctors’ Strike Could Disrupt Healthcare – NMA

Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has expressed concern about the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

The association warned that the industrial action could escalate into a wider healthcare disruption if urgent steps were not taken.

The strike, embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors, LASUTH, followed what the doctors described as the failure of the state government and relevant authorities to address long-standing welfare issues affecting medical personnel in the hospital.

The chairman of NMA Lagos, Dr Ewonowo Sunday, described the development as “deeply unfortunate but avoidable,” blaming prolonged negotiations for the breakdown in industrial harmony.

“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.

While acknowledging that strike action remains a last resort, the NMA said it often becomes inevitable when sustained dialogue fails to produce meaningful results.

Resident doctors at LASUTH are demanding immediate commencement and completion of a modernised Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre.

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

They are also demanding improved security for healthcare workers, patients and health facilities, among others.

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 also highlighted mounting 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.