Medical services were severely disrupted across several public hospitals in Lagos on Monday as doctors under the state government’s employment began a three-day warning strike to protest salary deductions and unpaid arrears.
At the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), patients were left unattended as scheduled appointments were cancelled. Four patients sat quietly in the waiting area, visibly affected by the ongoing strike.
A middle-aged woman suffering from rheumatism, who declined to be named, said her condition had worsened and she had been anxiously awaiting her consultation.
“I have severe pain in my legs and was hoping the doctor would help today. But they’ve postponed my appointment to 4 August,” she said. “Now I have to manage with just the medicine. It feels like a hook, I can’t walk properly.”
Orthopedic Clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
Why the Strike?
The Medical Guild, which represents doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, declared the warning strike on Saturday after an emergency congress. The union described salary deductions in July as “illegal and disrespectful” and cited 12 months of unpaid arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Despite government appeals to suspend the action, the strike began early Monday, affecting operations at LASUTH and other hospitals across the state.
Impact on Health Services
At LASUTH, PREMIUM TIMES observed that only admitted patients were being treated. Departments like physiotherapy were functioning minimally, while most clinics restricted access for new or outpatient cases.
Patients such as Bolu Alao confirmed that new admissions were being declined. Another woman accompanying her elderly mother to the orthopaedic department expressed frustration after her mother’s appointment was abruptly cancelled.
Other departments like Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) had empty waiting areas, illustrating the widespread impact of the strike.
Corridor of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
Other Hospitals and Testimonies
At General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, a woman identified as Mrs Kasali used the occasion to highlight persistent issues in the healthcare system. She narrated a tragic experience involving her sister-in-law, who died after complications from a delayed Caesarean section and referral to a private facility.
“We’ve already spent over a million. Now they’re still holding the baby, demanding N120,000 before we can take custody. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.
Elsewhere, patients like Victoria Bolatito were left waiting with no certainty of being seen.
Union Threatens Escalation
In a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Medical Guild warned that the warning strike could escalate into a full-blown indefinite strike if demands are not met within a 21-day ultimatum.
“We are prepared to escalate our measures if the government does not respond swiftly. The welfare of our members and the integrity of the health system are at stake,” a Guild official said.
The union has also activated a strike monitoring team to ensure compliance, warning of sanctions for non-compliance among members.
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH)
Government Appeals for Dialogue
In response, the Lagos State Government said it was engaging the Guild through its conciliation committee and reviewing submitted documents in line with fiscal policies.
“We urge the Medical Guild to continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution,” said Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.
The government added that contingency plans were in place to minimise the impact of the strike on healthcare delivery.
NMA Lends Support
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos chapter backed the Guild’s action, calling the deductions sudden, illegal, and unjustified. NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Saheed Kehinde, revealed that the deductions—ranging from N30,000 to N300,000—had occurred before in April but were reversed after intervention.
“We thought the issue had been resolved, but to our surprise, the deductions happened again,” Dr. Kehinde said.
He criticized the government for allegedly targeting state-employed doctors, noting that public hospitals under Lagos State account for 70% of health service delivery in the state.
“The strike has caused unnecessary and preventable health mortality and morbidity in the state. It shouldn’t have happened,” he said.
Dr. Kehinde emphasized that the strike would be suspended immediately if the deducted salaries are refunded.
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