Lagos Doctors Strike Halted Amid Government Talks
Lagos doctors strike has prompted urgent government appeal to shelve the planned three-day warning action
The Lagos doctors strike loomed large as medical doctors planned a three-day warning strike beginning today.
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However, the Lagos State Government has urgently appealed for the strike to be shelved, emphasizing ongoing negotiations with the Medical Guild aimed at resolving key issues.
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, assured the public that doctors’ grievances are being addressed with sincerity and urgency.
The Medical Guild, representing state-employed doctors, had announced the strike on July 26, expressing concerns about salary deductions and unpaid arrears.
The government highlighted that a conciliation committee, including representatives from both sides, has held meetings and is carefully reviewing submitted documents in line with state policies.
The focus remains on the welfare, motivation, and productivity of healthcare workers serving Lagos’s 20 million residents.
“We urge the Medical Guild to continue dialogue for a peaceful resolution that protects all parties, especially residents who depend on uninterrupted health services,” the statement added.
Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Medical Guild Chairman, linked the strike to unresolved issues around salary deductions initiated unilaterally by the government earlier this year.
Though previous deductions were reversed after strategic engagement, a fresh round occurred in July without prior notice, deepening frustrations.
The doctors’ key demands include immediate reversal of July deductions and full payment of revised salary arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
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As negotiations continue, contingency plans are in place to minimize disruption to healthcare services, with both government and medical professionals urged to act swiftly and responsibly to avoid negative impact on patients.
