…..Govt says it is reviewing grievances with urgency
Medical doctors working under the Lagos State Government have commenced a three-day warning strike from 8am today, in protest against what they have termed illegal and disrespectful salary deductions carried out by the state.
The action, declared by the Medical Guild — the representative body of medical and dental doctors in Lagos State public hospitals — is scheduled to last until 8am on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Guild’s secretariat, Chairman Dr Japhet Olugbogi stated that the strike became necessary after various unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue with government authorities.
Initial Deductions Reversed, But Issue Resurfaces
According to Olugbogi, the conflict started in April when part of doctors’ salaries was deducted unilaterally by the government. Although the deductions were initially reversed after what he described as spirited intervention and strategic engagement, the matter took a fresh turn in July when another round of deductions was applied — this time without any prior notice or explanation.
- The doctors are demanding an immediate reversal of the July salary deductions and the full payment of a 12-month revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital LASUTH.
No Official Response Yet, but Govt Pledges Dialogue
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government has not issued an official statement directly responding to the strike announcement.
However, the Ministry of Health, while acknowledging the concerns raised by the doctors, has assured that the matter is receiving urgent attention.
Negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing
This is the first time the ministry is experiencing such a development in recent years and the government is particularly concerned about the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers across the stateThis was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo.
Conciliation Committee Reviewing Demands
The government revealed that a conciliation committee had earlier been constituted with representatives from both parties to address all outstanding matters. Meetings were reportedly held and relevant documents submitted by the Guild are said to be undergoing careful review in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations.
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”We urge 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”
Call for Reconsideration and Assurance of Contingency Plans
The Lagos State Government appealed to the Medical Guild to reconsider its stance on the strike and allow the ongoing discussions to conclude fruitfully.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to promoting the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring industrial harmony within the health sector”We thank the people of Lagos for their patience and understanding and assure the public that contingency plans are being put in place to minimize any impact on healthcare services during this period”
This development marks a significant moment in Lagos State’s healthcare sector, as it reflects broader tensions between frontline workers and government officials in the wake of mounting economic pressures and growing demands for accountability. The swift return of deductions after a prior reversal points to unresolved structural and communication issues, raising questions about how compensation policies are formulated and implemented.
