Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Patients at the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja and some other facilities cross Lagos state, are pleading for quick resolution of the ongoing by the medical doctors in the state.
At the Alimosho General Hospital in Igando, when Africa Health Report, AHR, visited it was observed that while pharmacies and other commercial outlets remained open, no consultations or treatments were being offered.
“This is a sad reality,” said Adebayo Samuel, who brought his diabetic mother for a check-up. “Can’t they negotiate without putting lives at risk?”
Some admitted patients pleaded with doctors to reconsider their approach. “We are not the ones owing them. They should find another way,” one patient lamented, as he spoke with AHR.
At other health facilities empty corridors, locked consulting rooms, and red ribbons indicating restricted access.
Healthcare services were brought to a halt across Lagos State since Monday as doctors under the Medical Guild launched a three-day warning strike over unpaid entitlements and what they described as “illegal and disrespectful” deductions from their July salaries.
The Guild, which represents doctors employed by the state government, also raised concerns over the 12-month arrears owed to honorary consultants under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
In a post on its official X handle, the association directed all its members to withdraw from duties for the strike’s duration, warning that non-compliant members risk sanctions.
At the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, dozens of patients were seen lingering helplessly in waiting areas without medical attention.
“We came with hope, but we’ve been asked to return another day,” said Madam Omolara, a hypertensive patient turned back from LASUTH. AHR observed that only a handful of administrative staff were on ground at most facilities.
Several patients and caregivers expressed frustration and disappointment, urging both the doctors and government to prioritize citizens’ welfare.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in a statement, acknowledged the industrial action and appealed for calm among the public.
“We recognise the importance of our healthcare professionals and are committed to resolving the issues at hand. We urge the Guild to return to the negotiating table for the sake of the public,” the ministry said.
