Lagos Government Urges Doctors to Suspend Warning Strike

The Lagos State Government has urged medical doctors under its employment to suspend their planned three-day warning strike, which is scheduled to begin today, July 29.

In a statement issued by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs in the Ministry of Health, the government said that negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing and that all grievances are being addressed with urgency.

The Medical Guild, an association representing doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, announced the strike on July 26 during a press conference. The action, set to run for three days, was prompted by unresolved issues with the government.

The state government acknowledged the concerns raised by the guild, stressing its commitment to the welfare, motivation, and productivity of healthcare professionals.

“A conciliation committee made up of representatives from both the Medical Guild and the government was formed to address all outstanding matters. Meetings have been held, and submitted documents are under review, guided by relevant fiscal policies,” the statement read.

The government appealed to the Medical Guild to continue pursuing dialogue in the interest of the public, noting that healthcare disruptions could negatively affect over 20 million Lagos residents.

It also assured the public that contingency measures are in place to minimize the impact of the strike on healthcare services.

Meanwhile, at a press conference held at the guild’s secretariat, the Chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, explained that the strike followed failed attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue.

He stated that the conflict began in April when the government unilaterally deducted portions of doctors’ salaries. Although the deductions were reversed after negotiations, a new round of deductions occurred in July without prior notice or explanation.

The doctors are demanding an immediate reversal of the July deductions and full payment of the 12-month revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.