By Chioma Obinna
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared its support for the indefinite strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), urging the Lagos State Government to urgently address their welfare concerns and prevent further disruption to healthcare services.
In a press statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, and Secretary-General, Dr. Shuabu Ibrahim, NARD said it stood “in full solidarity” with the Association of Resident Doctors, LASUTH (LASUTH-ARD), over its decision to commence a total and indefinite strike.
The national body said the industrial action followed prolonged delays in resolving welfare-related issues affecting doctors at the tertiary health institution, despite previous agreements and assurances.
NARD called on Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the state Ministry of Health to intervene directly and urgently to resolve the dispute.
“NARD firmly supports the legitimate demands of its members at LASUTH and calls on the Lagos State Government to take immediate, decisive action to address the unresolved welfare issues disrupting medical services at the tertiary institution,” the association said.
Among the issues raised by NARD is the alleged non-payment of specialist allowance to Grade Level 14 resident doctors, particularly Senior Registrars 1. The association said the implementation of the allowance had fallen behind applicable federal standards.
NARD also cited outstanding salary shortfalls and advancement arrears allegedly owed to doctors since last year, as well as 25 months of arrears arising from the delayed implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT).
The association further raised concerns over payment transparency, alleging discrepancies and irregularities in recent salary payments. It called for the immediate release of comprehensive salary breakdown tables to clarify the payments.
NARD said the prolonged delays had left doctors who had continued working despite the unresolved issues with little option but to embark on industrial action.
“Our colleagues at LASUTH have shown immense patience and dedication, but the persistent failure to honour agreements leaves them with no choice,” the association stated.
It warned that a prolonged dispute could further disrupt patient care and undermine healthcare stability in Lagos State.
The association therefore urged the governor and the Ministry of Health to address the doctors’ demands and engage LASUTH-ARD in constructive negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute and ending the strike.
“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,” NARD said.
The national body urged the Lagos State Government to treat the dispute with “utmost urgency” and take steps to restore normal medical operations across the health system.
“NARD stands shoulder-to-shoulder with LASUTH-ARD until the issue is fully resolved,” it declared.
NARD appealed for an immediate intervention and negotiated settlement, stressing the need to restore medical services while addressing the outstanding welfare obligations to the affected doctors.
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