Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association has raised the alarm that the ongoing three-day warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) could escalate into a full-blown healthcare crisis, threatening to disrupt medical services across the state and potentially trigger a chain reaction of industrial actions in other health facilities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Ewonowo Sunday, described the industrial action as “deeply unfortunate but avoidable,” blaming prolonged delays in 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.
The warning strike, which began on Monday, June 15, was declared by the Association of Resident Doctors at LASUTH following what the doctors described as the failure of the Lagos State Government and relevant hospital authorities to address long-standing welfare issues. According to the NMA, the grievances include the urgent completion of the new Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre, payment of specialist allowances to eligible senior registrars, settlement of outstanding promotion arrears, and approval of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund. Other demands include the payment of teaching allowances to registrars and house officers, as well as improved security measures for healthcare workers and patients within the hospital environment.
“These issues are not new. They are long-standing concerns that require urgent attention to prevent further deterioration of morale among healthcare workers,” the NMA noted in its statement.
While acknowledging that strike action remains a last resort, the NMA said it often becomes inevitable when sustained dialogue fails to produce meaningful results. The association warned that the situation in Lagos reflects a broader national pattern, as resident doctors across the country continue to issue ultimatums over similar unresolved welfare concerns. It referenced ongoing tensions within the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which has issued a 21‑day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, residency training funds, and other welfare issues affecting medical practitioners nationwide.
The NMA also cited similar disputes at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where doctors have demanded improved working conditions, including the provision of call meals for doctors on duty. According to the association, failure to resolve these issues could trigger a chain reaction of industrial actions that may severely disrupt healthcare delivery across Lagos and beyond.
The association urged the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and hospital management authorities to engage urgently with striking doctors to prevent further escalation. “We therefore call on the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the management of LASUTH and LUTH, and all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly and constructively to address all outstanding issues,” the NMA statement said.
Despite its concerns, the NMA leadership urged resident doctors to remain calm, professional, and united while dialogue continues, reaffirming its commitment to working toward a resolution that improves doctors' welfare while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for the public.
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