Resident Doctors' Strike Grounds Services at LUTH Over Welfare Dispute

Healthcare services at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) remained disrupted on Monday as resident doctors continued an industrial action that entered its eighth day, citing unresolved welfare concerns and deteriorating working conditions.

The strike, embarked upon in line with a directive from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), followed months of unsuccessful engagement between the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LUTH chapter and the hospital management.

At a press briefing on Monday, the association identified two demands it described as non-negotiable: the immediate completion of the long-delayed renovation of the Resident Doctors' Quarters and the restoration of call-duty meals for doctors on emergency shifts.

The resident doctors said renovation work on their residential quarters has remained unfinished for more than 18 months, leaving many without accommodation despite the demands of their profession.

According to the association, the prolonged delay has forced doctors, many of whom travel long distances across Lagos to spend nights in their vehicles, hospital lounges and other unsuitable locations while remaining available for emergency duties.

"This prolonged delay has significantly affected the welfare, safety and well-being of doctors," the association said.

The doctors called on the Federal Government to urgently release funds needed by the hospital's Chief Medical Director to complete the renovation project.

The association also criticised the withdrawal of call-duty meals, describing the decision as detrimental to healthcare delivery.

It noted that resident doctors routinely undertake continuous shifts lasting more than 24 hours, often handling medical emergencies overnight without leaving their duty posts.

According to the ARD, the provision of meals during call duty is an established welfare measure necessary for doctors to continue providing safe and uninterrupted care to patients.

"Similar provisions exist in other federal tertiary health institutions across the country, and LUTH should not be an exception," the association stated.

The doctors appealed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and other stakeholders to intervene urgently and facilitate a resolution of the dispute.

They warned that healthcare services at one of Nigeria's foremost teaching hospitals would remain disrupted unless immediate steps were taken to address the welfare issues.

"Our desire has always been to remain at the bedside caring for our patients," the association said.

"However, quality healthcare cannot be sustained when the welfare and basic working conditions of healthcare workers are neglected."

The association reiterated its commitment to dialogue, expressing hope that the issues would be resolved quickly so normal medical services could resume.

The strike has affected patient care at LUTH, with many hospital services operating at reduced capacity as negotiations between the doctors and management remain unresolved.