Healthcare services at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) remained significantly disrupted on Monday as the industrial action embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) entered its eighth day. The strike, which is in compliance with a directive from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), follows unsuccessful efforts to resolve longstanding welfare concerns between the doctors and the hospital management.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the ARD identified two key demands that it described as non-negotiable: the immediate completion of the ongoing renovation of the Resident Doctors’ Quarters and the restoration of call duty meals for doctors on extended shifts. The association maintained that addressing these issues is essential to improving the welfare and working conditions of resident doctors and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery.
According to the association, the renovation of the doctors’ residential quarters has remained unfinished for more than 18 months, leaving many resident doctors without accommodation within the hospital premises. The union explained that the prolonged delay has forced several doctors, particularly those who travel long distances across Lagos, to spend nights in their vehicles, hospital lounges and other unsuitable locations while remaining on duty to provide medical care.
The doctors said the situation has adversely affected their welfare, safety and overall well-being, urging the Federal Government to release the funds required for the Chief Medical Director to complete the renovation project. They argued that access to decent accommodation is a critical welfare issue for medical personnel who frequently work long and demanding hours.
The ARD also decried the withdrawal of call duty meals, describing the provision as an essential welfare package rather than a privilege. The association noted that resident doctors regularly undertake continuous shifts lasting more than 24 hours, particularly while attending to emergency cases, making it impractical for them to leave their duty posts to purchase food. It maintained that the availability of meals during such shifts is necessary to support effective patient care and ensure doctors remain physically fit while carrying out their responsibilities.
Appealing for urgent intervention, the association called on the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and other relevant stakeholders to step in and facilitate a resolution of the dispute. The doctors warned that healthcare services at the hospital would continue to be affected unless their welfare concerns were addressed promptly.
While reaffirming their commitment to constructive dialogue, the resident doctors stressed that their preference remains to return to providing care for patients as soon as possible. However, they insisted that quality healthcare cannot be sustained in an environment where the welfare, safety and basic working conditions of healthcare professionals are neglected. The association expressed optimism that meaningful engagement with the relevant authorities would lead to a swift resolution of the crisis and the restoration of normal medical services at the hospital.
