The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has warned that the ongoing strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) could escalate into a broader healthcare crisis if urgent action is not taken.
Resident doctors' three-day warning strike
The resident doctors initiated a three-day warning strike to protest the failure of the government and relevant authorities to address long-standing welfare issues affecting medical personnel at the hospital.
In a statement released yesterday, the NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr. Ewonowo Sunday, expressed deep concern over the development, noting that the crisis was avoidable if stakeholders had been more proactive in addressing the legitimate concerns of the resident doctors.
The NMA acknowledged that strike action is a last resort but becomes inevitable when sustained dialogue fails to yield meaningful results. The grievances of resident doctors at LASUTH include delayed implementation of revised professional allowances, unpaid promotion arrears, and inadequate welfare support for training doctors.
MDCAN declares indefinite strike at DELSUTH
In a related development, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) chapter, declared an indefinite strike yesterday.
A statement by the Vice Chairman and Secretary of MDCAN, Dr. Enemuwe Ibobo Mike and Dr. Nwajei Ifeanyichukwu Anita, respectively, indicated that the strike is in response to the Delta State Ministry of Health's failure to honor an agreement reached with the association and to meet its demands, as outlined in a communiqué issued on June 2, 2026.
The association also alleged victimization of its DELSUTH chapter chairman, Dr. Abolodje Efe, who they claim has been threatened with dismissal. A dismissal letter was reportedly issued to the chairman, contravening the resolutions of the last Emergency General Meeting and the terms of the agreement. The congress views this as vilification and victimization of the chairman and the entire association.
As a result of the strike, MDCAN announced the immediate suspension of all clinical and residency training activities, as well as lectures for undergraduate and postgraduate students and all other related academic and clinical activities.
MDCAN urged DELSUTH management and the Ministry of Health to withdraw the dismissal letter to the chairman and take immediate steps to address the deteriorating conditions at the institution, including recent power and water outages over the past 48 hours.
