Lagos public hospital doctors over “unlawful and disrespectful” deductions from salaries
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Doctors working in Lagos public hospitals have announced a three-day warning strike beginning at 8am on July 28 in protest against “unlawful and disrespectful” deductions of their salaries, as they put it.
Their association, Medical Guild, said the strike, which is sequel to failed efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue, is expected to end by 8am on July 31.
Medical Guild Chairman Japhet Olugbogi explained that the dispute began in April when the state government unilaterally deducted from the salaries of medical and dental officers without prior consultation.
He narrated that many members initially demanded an immediate strike but the Guild leadership opted for a diplomatic route through negotiation and advocacy.
“Following persistent engagement, the deductions were reversed, and a six-member conciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the Guild and the government, was set up,” Olugbogi said.
“It was agreed that all parties would maintain the status quo until a resolution was reached.”
However, Medical Guild accused the Lagos Treasury Office of violating the agreement by implementing another round of deductions in July, which triggered the decision to embark on the warning strike.
The Guild is demanding:
- An immediate reversal of the deductions from July salaries.
- Full payment of 12-month revised CONMESS arrears owed to honorary consultants at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
It also issued a 21-day ultimatum, warning that failure to meet its demands could lead to an indefinite strike.
Olugbogi expressed concern over the growing instability in the state’s health sector, exacerbated by economic hardship and the exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria.
“It is disheartening that the most senior medical doctor in the Lagos State system earns less than $1,100. Instead of supporting our members, the government is cutting from their already inadequate income. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
He appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene urgently to prevent a collapse of healthcare delivery across the state.
More than 385 doctors participated in the emergency congress where the strike was ratified unanimously.
Medical Guild Secretary Adekunle Akinade confirmed that the union is prepared to escalate its measures if the government does not respond swiftly to their demands.
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