The Lagos State Government has appealed to doctors in its public health sector to suspend a three-day warning strike scheduled to begin today, Monday, July 28. The call comes in response to plans by the Medical Guild, the association representing government-employed doctors in Lagos, to withdraw services over what they described as “unlawful and humiliating” deductions from their monthly salaries.
According to the Guild, the warning strike will run from 8:00 a.m. on Monday to 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31. The action is intended to push back against payroll practices the doctors say are unjust and disrespectful to their profession. The group expressed frustration over what they believe is a lack of accountability and transparency in how their earnings are being handled.
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Ministry of Health issued a statement on Sunday through its Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo. In the statement, the government acknowledged the press briefing held by the Medical Guild on Saturday and expressed concern about the issues raised, particularly regarding the alleged deductions. The state assured that it is giving the matter serious attention and is already taking steps to resolve it.
The Ministry emphasized that discussions are ongoing between both parties and noted that a Conciliation Committee, comprising representatives from the government and the Medical Guild, has already been constituted. The committee, it said, has started reviewing documents submitted by the doctors in accordance with relevant financial policies and administrative procedures.
While appealing to the Medical Guild to reconsider the strike, the government urged the doctors to remain committed to dialogue in the interest of the over 20 million Lagos residents who rely heavily on public health services. Officials stressed that this is the first time in recent years such an impasse has arisen within the state’s healthcare system and reiterated their administration’s commitment to the welfare and motivation of all medical professionals.
In its concluding remarks, the state described its doctors as vital to the effective delivery of healthcare across Lagos and reaffirmed that all grievances are being addressed with urgency and sincerity. The government expressed hope that an amicable resolution would be reached quickly to avoid any disruption of services, which could have serious consequences for patients across the state.