The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has backed the ongoing strike by resident doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), calling on the Lagos State Government to urgently resolve the dispute over their welfare and remuneration.
In a statement issued on September 12 and signed by NARD President Mohammad Suleiman, the association urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state Ministry of Health to intervene to prevent further disruption to healthcare services.
NARD said the doctors are demanding the payment of specialist allowances for Grade Level 14 resident doctors, outstanding salary shortfalls and advancement arrears, as well as 25 months of arrears arising from the delayed implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table.
The association also raised concerns over discrepancies in recent salary payments and demanded full salary breakdowns from the government to ensure transparency.
NARD said the doctors had shown “immense patience and dedication”, but persistent delays in honouring agreements had left them with no option but to resume industrial action.
The latest strike follows a three-day warning strike by LASUTH resident doctors in June over similar demands.
The doctors later said discussions with government officials resulted in assurances that the specialist allowance for Senior Registrar 1 doctors would be incorporated into the Professional Allowance Table.
However, they said the allowance was not reflected in their August salaries, leading to the renewed strike.
NARD warned that continued delays could further affect patient care and urged the Lagos State Government to resolve the outstanding issues and restore normal medical services.
The association said it would continue to support the LASUTH chapter until the dispute is fully resolved.
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