The Lagos State Government has appealed to medical doctors to suspend their planned three-day warning strike, which is scheduled to begin today, stressing that discussions with the Medical Guild are ongoing.
This appeal was made in a statement issued by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
The government assured that it is addressing the doctors’ concerns with urgency and sincerity. It acknowledged the grievances raised by the Medical Guild—an association of doctors employed by the state—particularly regarding welfare, motivation, and overall productivity.
The Medical Guild had announced the warning strike at a press conference on Saturday, July 26, citing unresolved issues with the state government. The group said the strike was a result of failed attempts at dialogue.
The government revealed that a conciliation committee, made up of representatives from both sides, had already been established to resolve the issues. Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are currently being reviewed in accordance with existing policies and budgetary considerations.
“As a responsible government, we value the vital role healthcare professionals play in delivering quality services to over 20 million Lagosians,” the statement read. “We urge the Medical Guild to continue with dialogue as we strive for a fair resolution, especially to avoid service disruptions that would affect the public.”
The government also assured residents that contingency plans are in place to mitigate the impact of the strike on healthcare services.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, said during the press briefing that the strike stemmed from salary deductions that began in April. Although initial deductions were reversed following negotiations, the issue resurfaced in July without any prior notice.
Among the Guild’s demands are the immediate reversal of the July deductions and full payment of 12-month CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
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