Following the ongoing strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has warned that, if an urgent response is not provided, it could escalate into a wider healthcare disruption.
 
Recall that the resident doctors had embarked on a three-day warning strike over the failure of the government and relevant authorities to address long-standing welfare issues affecting medical personnel in the hospital.
 
Reacting yesterday in a statement by the NMA Lagos Chairman, Dr Ewonowo Sunday, the association said: “We view this development with deep concern. Regrettably, this crisis was avoidable if all concerned stakeholders had been more proactive and responsive in addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the resident doctors.”
 
While acknowledging that strike action remains a last resort, the NMA said it often becomes inevitable when sustained dialogue fails to produce meaningful results, adding that the grievances of resident doctors at LASUTH include delayed implementation of revised professional allowances, unpaid promotion arrears, and inadequate welfare support for training doctors.

In a similar development, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) chapter, yesterday, declared an indefinite strike.
 
A statement by the Vice Chairman and Secretary of MEDCAN, Dr Enemuwe Ibobo Mike and Dr Nwajei Ifeanyichukwu Anita, respectively, stated that the action is in response to the failure of the Delta State Ministry of Health to honour the agreement reached with the association and to meet its demands, as conveyed in the communiqué issued on June 2, 2026.
 
The body also alleged victimisation of the chairman of MEDCAN, DELSUTH chapter, Dr Abolodje Efe, who they said had been threatened with dismissal.
 
“This morning, a dismissal letter was issued to the association’s Chairman. This action contravenes the resolutions of the last Emergency General Meeting (EGM) and the terms of our agreement. The Congress considers this action as nothing but vilification and victimisation of the chairman and the entire association,” they stated.
 
Following the strike action, the body announced the immediate suspension of all clinical and residency training activities, as well as lectures for undergraduate and postgraduate students and all other related academic and clinical activities.
 
MEDCAN urged DELSUTH management and the Ministry of Health to withdraw the dismissal letter to the chairman and to take immediate steps to address the deteriorating conditions at the institution, including the recent power and water outages over the past 48 hours.