The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State chapter, has raised alarm over the ongoing warning strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), warning that failure to urgently address their grievances could trigger wider disruptions across the healthcare sector.
The three-day industrial action, declared by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LASUTH, has intensified concerns about the stability of healthcare services in Nigeria’s commercial capital, where public hospitals already face mounting pressure from increasing patient loads and workforce challenges.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Ewonowo Sunday, described the strike as “deeply unfortunate but avoidable,” arguing that the crisis resulted from prolonged delays in addressing legitimate welfare concerns raised by resident doctors.
“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 association said.
According to the NMA, the striking doctors are demanding the implementation of revised professional allowances, payment of outstanding promotion arrears, specialist allowances for eligible senior registrars, and improved welfare conditions.
Other demands include the commencement and completion of a modernised Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre, approval and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of teaching allowances to registrars and house officers, and enhanced security measures across LASUTH facilities.
The association noted that many of the issues have lingered for years without resolution, creating frustration among healthcare workers and affecting morale within the system.
“These issues are not new. They are long-standing concerns that require urgent attention to prevent further deterioration of morale among healthcare workers,” the statement added.
The warning comes against the backdrop of growing labour tensions within Nigeria’s health sector. Resident doctors across the country have repeatedly raised concerns over unpaid allowances, training funds and welfare-related issues.
Healthcare stakeholders fear that unresolved disputes in major tertiary institutions such as LASUTH and LUTH could lead to a broader wave of industrial actions capable of disrupting medical services across Lagos and beyond.
As one of Lagos State’s leading referral and teaching hospitals, LASUTH plays a critical role in providing specialised healthcare services and training future medical professionals. Any prolonged disruption could affect thousands of patients who depend on the facility for emergency care, specialist treatment and routine consultations.
The NMA urged the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, hospital management authorities and other stakeholders to engage urgently with the resident doctors and resolve all outstanding issues.
“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 welfare issues,” the association stated.
The association stressed that doctors’ welfare is directly linked to healthcare quality and warned that prolonged delays could deepen existing challenges in the sector.
Despite the ongoing strike, the NMA appealed to doctors to remain professional and law-abiding while dialogue continues, expressing hope that negotiations would lead to a lasting resolution.
