Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos Medical Guild has issued a strong call for immediate reforms to tackle the persistent no-bed crisis, broken referral systems and abandoned infrastructure projects across state hospitals.
Speaking ahead of the Guild’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Gbagada, Chairman Dr Maruf Abdul-Salam said the conference theme, “The No-Bed Conundrum and Safe Referral,” was chosen to spotlight the growing delays in emergency care.
“The no-bed syndrome has become the elephant in the room,” he said. “A functional referral system demands communication, clear facility limits and safe patient transfer.”
He said the conference would produce expert-backed policy recommendations on emergency referrals and patient flow management.
Abdul-Salam also condemned the prolonged abandonment of Doctors’ Quarters at General Hospital Odan and LASUTH, revealing that contractors left the Odan site more than six months ago due to lack of funds.“Two years after the elevator accident that killed Dr Vwaere Diaso, it is unacceptable that these projects remain stalled,” he said.
He highlighted additional unresolved issues including demotion of consultants, non-payment of teaching allowances, unpaid pension and NHF deductions, and the absence of comprehensive health insurance for doctors. These concerns will dominate discussions during Thursday’s general meeting.
As he prepares to hand over leadership ahead of the Guild’s centenary celebration, Abdul-Salam outlined achievements under his tenure, such as prompt payment of revised CONMESS arrears, CAC registration of the Guild, progress on its Certificate of Occupancy and the disbursement of ₦29.5 million to members with severe health challenges.
He reaffirmed support for the resident doctors’ ongoing strike and urged the Federal Government to address their demands promptly.
Commending Lagos doctors for their resilience, he appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently complete abandoned projects and resolve outstanding labour issues.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Koko Maxwella