NMA Warns of Healthcare Crisis as LASUTH Resident Doctors Initiate Warning Strike

The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised concerns over an ongoing three-day warning strike embarked upon by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). The association warned that the industrial action could trigger a widespread disruption of the state’s healthcare system if the government fails to intervene immediately.

The warning strike, organized by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at LASUTH, follows prolonged delays by the Lagos State Government and hospital management in addressing critical welfare issues.

In a statement released on Thursday, NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Ewonowo Sunday, described the crisis as preventable, attributing the breakdown of industrial harmony to a lack of proactive engagement by key stakeholders. He noted that while strikes are a last resort, they become inevitable when sustained dialogue fails to yield results.

The doctors’ core grievances center on long-standing demands, including:

Infrastructure: Immediate commencement and timely completion of the modern Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre at LASUTH.

Allowances and Arrears: Swift implementation of the revised Professional Allowance, payment of Specialist Allowances to eligible Senior Registrar I doctors, and disbursement of teaching allowances to Registrars and House Officers.

Promotions: Immediate settlement of all outstanding advancement and promotion arrears.

Funding: Prompt approval and distribution of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible doctors.

Security: Strengthening of security measures to protect healthcare workers and patients within hospital premises.

The NMA highlighted that the localized friction in Lagos mirrors a growing national crisis. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has already issued a separate 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances and training funds, while similar disputes over working conditions have emerged at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

The NMA urged the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and relevant hospital boards to act swiftly to prevent a full-scale healthcare breakdown. Despite the friction, the leadership appealed to striking doctors to remain calm, united, and professional while negotiations continue toward an amicable resolution.