The Lagos State Government has appealed to striking medical doctors under the aegis of the Medical Guild to shelve the three-day warning strike.
The Medical Guild led by Dr Japhet Olugbogi, in a press conference on Saturday, had directed medical doctors in the Lagos State employment to embark on a three-day warning strike on 28 July by 8am, in order to press home some of their demands..
The Guild had earlier expressed their grievances some times in April about deductions in the salaries of the doctors which was described as ‘illegal and disrespectful.’ These deductions were reversed following a consensus that was reached between the medical guild and the state government. Despite the agreement reached, new deductions were made in July which aroused reactions from the association and its members.
The doctors listed key demands, including the immediate reversal of the July deductions and the full payment of the 12-month revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, director of public affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in a press release noted that the government is engaging with the leadership of the Medical Guild and taking steps to address their concerns with “utmost sincerity and urgency.”
“The government is particularly concerned over the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers in the state,” the statement read. “As a responsible government, we value the critical role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely health services to the over 20 million residents of Lagos State.”
Ogunbanwo disclosed that a conciliation committee comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the state has already been constituted to address outstanding issues.
“Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations.”
He said the government urged the Medical Guild to “continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution in the interest of all parties, especially the residents who may bear the brunt of any service disruption.”
The Guild also issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, warning that failure to resolve the issues would result in an indefinite strike. Highlighting the worsening economic conditions and the ongoing brain drain of health professionals, Olugbogi lamented the strain on the healthcare system. He said: “It is disheartening that the most senior doctor in Lagos State does not earn up to $1,100 monthly, yet this meagre income is being further reduced. It’s not just unfair; it’s unacceptable.”
