Healthcare crippled in Lagos as Doctors begin Three-Day warning strike

Healthcare services were brought to a standstill across Lagos State on Monday as doctors under the Medical Guild began a three-day warning strike to protest salary deductions and unpaid arrears.

The Guild, which represents doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, described the deductions from their July salaries as “illegal and disrespectful” and decried the non-payment of 12 months’ arrears owed to honorary consultants under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Via its official X handle, the association ordered its members to withdraw from all medical duties for the duration of the industrial action and warned that any member who failed to comply would face disciplinary sanctions.

A visit to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) by a Daily Watch Nigeria reporter revealed the full effect of the strike.

Wards were empty, with red ribbons tied around entrances to signal restricted access, and patients were reportedly advised to go back home.

Several departments were also deserted.

At Randle General Hospital, Surulere, while non-medical commercial activities continued, medical services were completely suspended.

A resident, Sunday Egbe, lamented that his son’s scheduled surgery had been cancelled. “I was asked to take my son home. There are no doctors available,” he said.

Efforts to contact the Medical Guild chairman, Dr. Moruf Abdulsalam, proved unsuccessful.

Also Read: Doctors to FG: Meet our demands in 21 Days or face shutdown

However, the Lagos State Ministry of Health acknowledged the strike in a public statement and appealed to the medical professionals for calm while urging patience among the public as discussions continue.