Doctors under the auspices of the Medical Guild in Lagos State have commenced an indefinite strike, citing unresolved welfare issues and poor working conditions across public hospitals.
The strike, which began on Monday, follows what the association described as prolonged neglect by the Lagos State Government regarding key demands affecting the professional and personal well-being of medical personnel. The doctors expressed frustration over delays in implementing the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), inadequate infrastructure in hospitals, non-payment of certain allowances, and a lack of proper career progression.
Chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr. Sa’eid Ahmad, said the decision to embark on the strike was reached after extensive consultations and failed engagements with the state authorities. According to him, multiple appeals and correspondences with relevant government officials did not yield satisfactory responses. He emphasized that the Guild had exercised considerable patience over the past months but could no longer watch its members work under deplorable conditions without appropriate remuneration or motivation.
Dr. Ahmad further explained that the strike became necessary after the government allegedly failed to honour earlier promises made during negotiations. He said doctors had continued to deliver healthcare services across public hospitals in good faith, hoping the government would act responsibly, but the continued silence and perceived indifference from state officials left them with no alternative.
The Medical Guild outlined several critical demands, including immediate implementation of the new salary structure, payment of outstanding allowances such as hazard and COVID-19 inducement allowances, regular promotion of medical officers, proper employment terms for house officers and resident doctors, and urgent upgrade of hospital facilities.
The association insisted that the strike action will remain in force until the government responds meaningfully to their concerns. It also called on the general public to understand the rationale behind the industrial action, noting that the ultimate goal is to improve healthcare delivery by ensuring that medical professionals are supported, adequately compensated, and able to function effectively.
The Lagos State Government has not issued any formal response as of the time of the announcement. The strike is expected to significantly impact healthcare services in government-owned hospitals, as doctors withdraw from both outpatient and emergency services.
