The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has expressed concern over the ongoing three-day warning strike embarked upon by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH.
NMA warned that failure to address the issues at the heart of the industrial action could trigger a broader healthcare crisis in Lagos and across the country.
The NMA said this in a statement signed by its Lagos Chapter Chairman, Dr Sunday Ewonowo, and Secretary, Dr O.J. Hassan, on Thursday.
The association said the strike by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LASUTH, followed the Lagos State Government’s failure to resolve longstanding welfare and professional concerns affecting doctors at the institution.
It described the development as regrettable and avoidable, noting that the industrial action became necessary only after repeated efforts at engagement failed to produce meaningful outcomes.
According to the association, resident doctors at LASUTH are demanding immediate commencement and completion of a modernised Resident Doctors’ Quarters and Residency Training Centre.
It also listed the urgent implementation of a revised professional allowance for doctors in Lagos State and payment of specialist allowance to eligible Senior Registrar I doctors.
They are also demanding improved security for healthcare workers, patients and health facilities, among others.
The NMA urged the Lagos State Government, LASUTH management and other stakeholders to engage with the ARD leadership without delay to prevent an escalation of the dispute into an indefinite strike.
Beyond LASUTH, the NMA also highlighted mounting concerns over a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident
This post was originally published on this site.
