Govt: we’re looking into grievances

Medical doctors in the employ of Lagos State Government will from today embark on a three-day warning strike to protest what they described as “illegal and disrespectful” salary deductions by the state.

The strike, announced by the Medical Guild, the umbrella body of medical and dental practitioners in the state’s public service, will begin at 8am and end at the same time on Thursday.

At a news conference held at the Guild’s secretariat in Lagos, Chairman, Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, said the action followed series of failed attempts to address the matter through dialogue.

He said the disagreement began in April when the state government unilaterally deducted part of doctors’ salaries. Although the deductions were later reversed following what he described as “spirited intervention and strategic engagement,” the situation relapsed in July with a fresh round of deductions, ‘’this time without prior notice or explanation.’’

The doctors listed key demands, including the immediate reversal of the July deductions and the full payment of the 12-month revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Acknowledging the concerns raised by the Medical Guild leadership, the Ministry of Health said the government was already looking into “all grievances of the doctors with utmost sincerity and urgency”.

“Negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing”, a statement by the ministry’s Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, said last night.

The statement reads: “This is the first time the ministry is experiencing such a development in recent years and the government is particularly concerned about the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers across the state.

“A conciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the Medical Guild and the Government was previously constituted to resolve all outstanding issues. Meetings have been held, and documents submitted by the Guild are being carefully reviewed in line with existing policies and fiscal regulations.

“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 Lagos State Ministry of Health therefore appeals to the Medical Guild to reconsider its decision on the warning strike and allow the ongoing discussions to reach a fruitful conclusion. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to promoting the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring industrial harmony within the health sector.

“We thank the people of Lagos for their patience and understanding and assure the public that contingency plans are being put in place to minimize any impact on healthcare services during this period.” (The Nation)