The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has thrown its weight behind the indefinite strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), warning that the prolonged dispute could further disrupt healthcare delivery across Lagos State.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, and Secretary-General, Dr Shuabu Ibrahim, the association called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Ministry of Health to urgently intervene and resolve the outstanding welfare issues.
NARD said the LASUTH Association of Resident Doctors (LASUTH-ARD) had been left with little option but to commence industrial action following prolonged delays in addressing concerns despite previous agreements and assurances.
Among the major grievances is the alleged failure to pay specialist allowance to Grade Level 14 resident doctors, particularly Senior Registrars 1. NARD said the implementation of the allowance had not kept pace with applicable federal standards.
The national association also listed outstanding salary shortfalls and advancement arrears allegedly owed since last year, alongside 25 months of arrears arising from the delayed implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT).
NARD further questioned the transparency of recent salary payments, alleging discrepancies and irregularities. It therefore demanded the immediate release of comprehensive salary breakdown tables to enable affected doctors to properly understand the payments made to them.
According to the association, LASUTH doctors had demonstrated considerable patience while continuing to provide medical services despite the unresolved issues.
“Our colleagues at LASUTH have shown immense patience and dedication, but the persistent failure to honour agreements leaves them with no choice,” NARD said.
The association urged the Lagos Government to engage the doctors in constructive negotiations and address the outstanding welfare obligations as quickly as possible.
It warned that allowing the dispute to continue could have serious consequences for patient care and healthcare stability in the state, particularly if the indefinite strike is prolonged.
NARD also called for direct intervention by Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Health, stressing that resolving the dispute should be treated with “utmost urgency.”
“We call on His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos State Ministry of Health to intervene directly, meet these critical demands, and avert a prolonged crisis that threatens patient care and healthcare stability in the state,” the association said.
The national body pledged continued solidarity with the LASUTH doctors until the dispute is resolved and appealed for a negotiated settlement that would allow normal medical services to resume.
“NARD stands shoulder-to-shoulder with LASUTH-ARD until the issue is fully resolved,” it declared.
