Doctors working under the Lagos State Government have started a three-day warning strike over what they say are unfair and illegal salary deductions.
The Medical Guild, which represents doctors and dentists in public hospitals across Lagos, announced the strike.
It began at 8 a.m. today and will end at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, the chairman of the Guild, explained that the strike became necessary after several failed attempts to resolve the issue with the government through dialogue.
According to him, the problem started in April when the government deducted parts of the doctors’ salaries without explanation.
Although those deductions were later reversed, the same issue happened again in July, this time without any notice.
The Guild is asking the government to cancel the July deductions immediately and pay up the 12 months of outstanding salary arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
As of now, the Lagos State Government has not issued an official response.
However, the Ministry of Health has acknowledged the doctors’ concerns and stated that steps are being taken to address the matter.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, confirmed that discussions between the Guild and the government are ongoing.
He said this is the first time such a strike is happening in recent years and that the government is deeply concerned about the well-being and motivation of health workers.
He also mentioned that a conciliation committee made up of both Guild and government representatives had already been formed and that documents submitted by the doctors are being reviewed.
The government appealed to the doctors to continue talks and not allow the strike to affect health services for the people of Lagos.
They also asked the Medical Guild to reconsider the warning strike and allow peaceful talks to continue.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is said to be committed to the welfare of health workers and wants to maintain peace in the sector.
The Ministry thanked Lagos residents for their patience and promised that steps are being taken to reduce the impact of the strike on health services across the state.
