Healthcare services at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) remained disrupted on Monday as the industrial action by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) entered its eighth day.
The strike, embarked upon in line with a directive from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), followed unsuccessful efforts to resolve lingering welfare issues with the hospital’s management.
At a press briefing on Monday, the ARD reiterated two key demands: the immediate completion of the Resident Doctors’ Quarters and the restoration of call duty meals.
According to the association, resident doctors have been unable to access their accommodation for more than 18 months due to an incomplete renovation project. The prolonged delay, it said, has forced many doctors—some of whom travel long distances across Lagos—to sleep in their vehicles, hospital lounges, and other unsuitable locations while remaining on duty.
The doctors described the situation as a serious threat to their welfare, safety, and well-being, urging the Federal Government to release the funds needed to enable the Chief Medical Director complete the renovation project.
Doctors Protest Withdrawal of Call Duty Meals
The ARD also condemned the withdrawal of call duty meals, describing the provision as essential rather than a privilege.
The association noted that resident doctors regularly work shifts lasting more than 24 hours, often attending to emergency cases overnight. Because they cannot leave their duty posts to obtain food, the union argued that call duty meals are necessary to ensure safe, uninterrupted patient care.
It added that similar welfare provisions are available in other federal tertiary health institutions and urged LUTH to uphold the same standard.
Call for Government Intervention
The association appealed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and other stakeholders to intervene and facilitate a swift resolution of the dispute.
The doctors warned that healthcare disruptions at LUTH would continue unless their welfare concerns are urgently addressed.
“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 ARD reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and expressed hope for a speedy resolution of the crisis.
