The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent appeal to the Medical Guild to suspend its planned three-day warning strike, assuring that doctors' concerns regarding unauthorized salary deductions are being addressed with utmost priority.
Doctors in Lagos State's public health sector, under the Medical Guild, commenced the warning strike today, Monday, July 28, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The industrial action, scheduled to last until Thursday, July 31, was triggered by what the doctors described as "unlawful and disrespectful" deductions from their salaries.
In a statement released on Sunday by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the government acknowledged the press briefing held by the Medical Guild on Saturday and expressed concern over the issues raised.
"The Lagos State Government wishes to assure the general public that all grievances of the doctors are currently being looked into with utmost sincerity and urgency. Negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing," the statement read.
According to the Ministry, this represents the first time in recent years that such a development has occurred within the state's health sector. The government emphasized its commitment to the welfare and motivation of all health professionals serving in Lagos.
To address the situation, a Conciliation Committee comprising representatives from both parties has been constituted. The committee has already held meetings and is currently reviewing documents submitted by the Medical Guild in accordance with established policies and fiscal guidelines.
"As a responsible Government, we value the critical role our healthcare professionals play in delivering quality and timely health services to the over 20 million residents of Lagos State. We urge the Medical Guild to continue on the path of dialogue while we work to reach a peaceful and just resolution in the interest of all parties, especially the residents who may bear the brunt of any service disruption," the statement added.
The strike action comes at a critical time for Lagos healthcare services and could potentially impact thousands of patients who rely on public health facilities across the state. Healthcare analysts have expressed concern about the possible consequences if the dispute is not resolved quickly.
This development highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria's healthcare sector, where disputes over remuneration and working conditions have frequently led to industrial actions by medical professionals in recent years.
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