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  • Lagos doctors declare three-day warning strike over salary deductions

    Lagos doctors declare three-day warning strike over salary deductions

    Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, under the umbrella of the Medical Guild, will embark on a three-day warning strike from Monday, July 28, to protest what they describe as “illegal and disrespectful” deductions from their salaries.

    Announcing the decision at a press conference held at the Guild’s secretariat, Chairman Dr. Japhet Olugbogi said the industrial action would begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday and end at the same time on Thursday, July 31.

    He explained that the dispute began in April 2025, when the state government made unauthorised deductions from doctors’ salaries. Although the deductions were initially reversed following consultations, a fresh round of deductions in July, without prior notice or explanation, reignited tensions.

    “Our members were visibly aggrieved,” Olugbogi stated. “While many called for an immediate strike, we opted for dialogue. Unfortunately, the government violated an agreement to maintain the status quo by implementing another round of deductions this month.”

    The Guild said a six-member conciliation committee—comprising three representatives each from the Guild and the state government—had been set up to resolve the issue, but the latest deductions breached the terms of that engagement.

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    Among the doctors’ demands are the immediate reversal of the July salary deductions and full payment of 12 months’ revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears owed to honorary consultants at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

    The Guild also issued a 21-day ultimatum to the government, warning that failure to resolve the issues would result in an indefinite strike.

    Highlighting the worsening economic conditions and the ongoing brain drain of health professionals, Olugbogi lamented the strain on the healthcare system.

    “It is disheartening that the most senior doctor in Lagos State does not earn up to $1,100 monthly, yet this meagre income is being further reduced. It’s not just unfair; it’s unacceptable,” he said, calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene urgently.

    Guild Secretary Dr. Adekunle Akinade echoed the concerns, noting that over 385 doctors unanimously endorsed the strike at an emergency congress. He said the overwhelming turnout reflected deep dissatisfaction among medical professionals.

    “Doctors have continued to sacrifice amid difficult conditions, but their patience is being stretched to the limit,” he said.

    As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not released an official statement regarding the planned strike.

  • Ikoyi-Obalende increases doctors’ salaries to N800,000

    Ikoyi-Obalende increases doctors’ salaries to N800,000

    In a bold move reaffirming his administration’s commitment to quality healthcare, the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, has approved a second upward review of doctors’ salaries—raising them to N800,000 monthly, effective June 2025.

    This latest increment represents a 100 percent increase from the existing N400,000, and a 300 percent total increase since February 2024, when the doctors’ salaries were first reviewed from N200,000 to N400,000.

    According to a statement released by the council, the decision reflects both an appreciation of the indispensable role healthcare workers play and a strategic step towards retaining medical talent in the local system amid growing emigration pressures.

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    “Our administration is not only reconstructing the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Primary Healthcare Centre—we’re rebuilding the very foundation of healthcare delivery in Ikoyi-Obalende. By increasing our doctors’ salaries again, we are reinforcing our belief that a healthy society is a wealthy society,” he said.

    The salary review coincides with the near-completion of the comprehensive reconstruction of the PHC, now entering its upper-level construction phase.

    Once complete, the new PHC is expected to deliver improved access to high-quality healthcare for thousands of residents across the LCDA.

    Atanda-Lawal further emphasized that the pay rise is designed to secure long-term commitment from healthcare workers and reduce attrition due to the Japa syndrome.

    He urged residents to continue supporting the government’s efforts and expressed confidence in the incoming administration to sustain and expand the people-centred initiatives pioneered under his leadership.

  •  Doctors give Fed Govt four-week ultimatum to address demands

     Doctors give Fed Govt four-week ultimatum to address demands

    The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet a set of its long-standing demands affecting its members or risk an industrial action.

    NARD’s position came on the heels of its May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and scientific conference with the theme: The Medical Profession: Policies, Politics, and Future Prospects, held from May 26 to 31 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    At the conference, speakers and panelists examined the interplay between ethics, law, and healthcare delivery, with participation from government officials, medical experts, and policymakers.

    In a communique issued at the end of the conference, NARD acknowledged some progress the Federal Government and relevant agencies have made, particularly in the ongoing disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025 and the clearance of MRTF arrears from 2022 to 2024.

    The association, however, expressed disappointment over a range of outstanding issues, particularly the non-payment of arrears resulting from the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and the government’s failure to implement long-promised consequential salary adjustments that date back to 2009.

    It condemned the persistent exclusion of resident doctors from specialist allowances, despite their critical role in delivering expert medical care in tertiary hospitals across the country.

    NARD described the continued casualisation of doctors and the resulting poor remuneration by heads of tertiary health as unacceptable.

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    The OGM noted that for over 16 years, resident doctors have endured stagnant salaries without adjustments that are commensurate with inflation or policy changes in an alleged breach of the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

    The unaddressed concerns, NRD said, contradicted the government’s National Policy on Health Workforce, which calls for better incentives to retain healthcare workers.

    The association expressed concern over the situation at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), alleging that resident doctors and medical officers there were owed between seven and 14 months in salary arrears.

    The association condemned the Federal Government’s failure to pay the 2024 accouterment allowance arrears and the refusal by some Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) to comply with payments already approved.

    But it hailed some state governments for their progressive health sector reforms and prompt payment of allowances. These include Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Abia, Benue, Kwara, Enugu, and Delta states.

    NARD demanded the immediate payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary arrears; full implementation of consequential salary adjustments to reflect the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage increases; expedited disbursement of the 2025 MRTF to all eligible doctors; and full settlement of the 2023/2024 accouterment allowance arrears by CMDs and the Federal Government, among others.

    NARD said it gave the government a four-week window to address all pending issues.

    The association said its National Officers’ Committee would continue engagements with relevant authorities in the course of the time.

    “Failure to achieve satisfactory progress will prompt the National Executive Council (NEC) to reassess the situation and determine the next course of action,” the communique said.

  • FCT resident doctors begin three-day warning strike over alleged abscondment

    FCT resident doctors begin three-day warning strike over alleged abscondment

    The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has declared a three-day warning strike beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

    The strike follows the non-payment of April salaries to 127 of its members, whom the FCT Civil Service Commission accused of absconding after a recent staff verification exercise.

    The decision to embark on the strike was reached during an emergency meeting held at the Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.

    In a letter dated May 5, 2025, and addressed to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the association stated: “We hereby declare a 3-day warning strike, effective from 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 6th May 2025 to 8:00 a.m. on Friday, 9th May 2025.”

    ARD-FCTA, which represents resident doctors and medical officers in 14 district and general hospitals under the FCTA, including the Department of Public Health, condemned the salary withholding as arbitrary and unjust.

    In the letter signed by its President, Dr. George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong, the association said: “We observe with deep anger and utmost disappointment the arbitrary and unjust withholding of April salaries affecting 127 members of our association and other health workers, despite undergoing the tedious verification process. This action was taken without prior notice or due diligence and is completely unacceptable.”

    “We noticed how outrageously these workers were falsely tagged as having absconded and their names removed from the payment platform by the Civil Service Commission, even though hospital services have continued uninterrupted. At a time when the welfare and remuneration of health workers is already depleted, such a move is not only insensitive but outrightly provocative. Over 100 dedicated staff have now been denied their rightful earnings – a disgraceful decision that has caused untold emotional, physical, psychological, and financial hardship.

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    “What is equally disturbing is the complete exclusion of key stakeholders from this decision-making process by the Civil Service Commission. The Medical Directors of the affected hospitals, the Director General of the Hospital Management Board, the Permanent Secretary of Health, and even the Mandate Secretary were all sidelined. This lack of consultation reveals a clear breakdown in governance and accountability”.

    Among others, the association equally demanded the sack of the chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh.

    Ezeh said, “The Chairman and staff of the Commission have shown blatant arrogance, rudeness, and disdain toward staff who approach them for legitimate inquiries. The utterances of the Civil Service Commission range from threatening words to mockery of health workers. They delay routine processes like post-Part 2 conversions, skipping, and promotions simply to assert irrelevant control and power. This kind of toxic and bureaucratic recklessness cannot be allowed to continue”.

    It consequently demanded the immediate payment of withheld April salaries to all affected staff without delay and their names added back to the payment platform.

    Also, the association demanded an unreserved, written apology from the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission to all affected members, acknowledging the emotional, psychological, physical and financial harm caused.

    It also asked for: “the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, whose actions have continuously undermined staff welfare and administrative progress.

    “A public disclaimer from the Hospital Management Board affirming that all affected members are duly recognised, confirmed and verified staff of the Board, who had continued to discharge their duties with utmost commitment.

    “A peaceful protest march to the Federal Capital Territory Administration to express our discontent and demand justice.

    “If all the above demands are not met, the congress will reconvene and shall proceed on an indefinite strike. We will not remain silent while our members are disrespected, underpaid, and emotionally battered. Enough is enough.”

    While commending Wike “for the remarkable strides” he is making in transforming infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory, the association equally lauded him for his approval for the employment of 315 healthcare workers, which they described as a much-needed intervention in strengthening the health sector.

    However, it noted with concern that the approval was yet to be implemented, and urged that the process be expedited without further delay.

  • May Day: Doctors raise alarm over collapsing health sector, urge urgent action on ‘Japa’ syndrome

    May Day: Doctors raise alarm over collapsing health sector, urge urgent action on ‘Japa’ syndrome

    As Nigeria commemorates the 2025 International Workers’ Day, medical doctors in Lagos have raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of the country’s healthcare system, warning that it is on the brink of collapse due to worsening working conditions and mass emigration of professionals.

    In a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) expressed grave concern over the continued exodus of doctors abroad—a trend widely referred to as the “Japa syndrome.”

    Dr. Saheed urged the government to urgently address the root causes driving this brain drain, warning that any reform policies that overlook the issue are bound to fail. 

    “Any government policy that doesn’t first resolve the issue of the Japa syndrome is a waste of time. Such a policy will not work without the driving force of human resources,” he stated.

    He added that doctors are not making demands out of convenience, but are facing harsh economic realities that have rendered their earnings insufficient for daily living. 

    “We are not just demanding salary increases for the sake of it. The economic conditions have worsened, and our take-home pay can no longer take us home,” Dr. Saheed said.

    The NMA outlined a series of urgent demands, including the payment of outstanding salary arrears—particularly the skipping and CONMESS arrears promised since 2024—improved remuneration, and inflation-adjusted professional and call-duty allowances that should be non-taxable.

    The association also called for comprehensive welfare reforms, such as access to affordable housing, car loans, and other support structures aimed at retaining medical professionals in Nigeria.

    Dr. Saheed explained why many doctors are leaving Nigeria: “A doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and has no chance of owning a car or house in Nigeria will naturally look for opportunities elsewhere. It’s not unpatriotic, it’s survival,” he said.

    He added that reforms must go beyond salary, calling for a better working environment with proper equipment, training, research grants, and inclusive health policies that promote respect and empathy.

    “Health sector development must be comprehensive. We need tools, training, and trust,” he said.

    The doctors are demanding structural reforms to improve the morale and stability of the health workforce. Key among their demands is an increase in the retirement age for healthcare workers, aligning with global standards to retain experienced professionals.

    They are also pushing for the harmonisation of salaries for doctors across all public institutions, including teaching hospitals, polytechnics, and universities, under the CONMESS salary structure, to ensure fairness and reduce inequality in the system.

    Additionally, the doctors want an immediate end to the casualisation of medical professionals through locum appointments, which they argue undermines job security and professional dignity.

    They also called for the withdrawal of the newly introduced consultant pharmacist cadre in clinical settings, insisting that it has created confusion, professional tension, and adds no real value to patient care.

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    “The consultant pharmacy cadre brings no additional clinical value and only complicates patient care. This must be urgently reversed,” the statement read.

    On a positive note, the group confirmed that unauthorised deductions from April 2025 salaries in Lagos have been reversed after they engaged the authorities.

    However, they reminded the Federal Government that promises must be kept, especially the long-awaited payment of CONMESS arrears.

    In their final plea, Dr. Saheed said: “Nigerian doctors are not asking for luxury, just dignity, fairness, and the tools to do their jobs. If these issues are not addressed, the brain drain will continue, and the health system will collapse further. There is still time to act, but that time is fast running out.”

  • FCT doctors down tools over unpaid salaries

    FCT doctors down tools over unpaid salaries

    Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stopped medical services on Wednesday over unpaid seven-month salaries to their colleagues employed in 2023.

    THE NATION gathered patients in general hospitals were unattended to because the doctors were on strike.

    Sources said it would be a three-day warning strike that may become indefinite if the government fails to accede to their demands.

    The Association of Resident Doctors in the territory issued a 14-day day ultimatum strike warning to the FCT Minister on December 23, 2024.

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    Some of their demands listed by the president of the association in Abuja, Dr. George Ebong, include “For the Minister to clear the Medical Residency Training Fund of 2024.

    “Implementation of skipping and issuance of skipping letters to its members employed in 2023. Immediate payment of accouterments allowance for 2024, and payment of outgoing 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears, among others demands.”

    One Mrs. Ihiaka, who accompanied her daughter on a wheelchair to General Hospital Kubwa, described the situation as sad, lamenting she was left with the option of looking for a private hospital, no matter the cost.

    FCT Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, HSES, Dr. Babagana Adam, could not be reached for comments on the development.

  • Fed Govt to foreign-trained doctors: resist Japa syndrome

    Fed Govt to foreign-trained doctors: resist Japa syndrome

    The Federal Government has urged the newly inducted foreign-trained medical and dental practitioners to resist the migration pull (Japa) syndrome for better working conditions abroad.

    It also advised them to uphold the highest ethical standards, remain committed to patient care, and contribute to revitalising the Nigerian healthcare system.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, gave the advice at the induction of the 622 foreign-trained doctors at a ceremony organised by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

    The newly inducted foreign-trained medical professionals comprised 606 medical doctors and 16 dentists who recorded over 70 per cent pass in the examinations.

    The minister noted that the new doctors were entering a field critical to national development.

    Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, the minister urged the inductees to approach their work with compassion, integrity, and responsibility, and to resist the Japa syndrome.

    He said: “The political sector for the government and health is moving towards quality care, safe care, and the safety of people because, through the years. The health sector in Nigeria has been inundated with a lot of citizens complaining about the state of our health care system.

    “Now, we have over 600 of you being doctors today and you are coming into this space that is very critical to our nature of journey.

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    “Therefore, you are pledging to serve humanity with compassion, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.

    “We now hope that your work will directly impact the lives and well-being of your people. This is because the trust that society places on you is immense and you see the responsibility that you must challenge with the utmost seriousness and professionalism.

    “Let us not forget that as healthcare professionals, you are constantly called upon to demonstrate empathy, resilience and adaptability.

    “The world of medicine and dentistry is ever-evolving and so too must you evolve – whether it be through innovating new technologies, taking a breath in the latest new technology, or adapting to the needs of a diverse population.

    “The future of our planet abroad will serve as a foundation for the lifelong commitment to many alike.

    “As we embark on this new chapter, I urge you to approach your profession with the same passion and determination that brought you to this point.

    “Furthermore, to advocate for your patients, who are always seeking their health care, remember that every patient you see with a personal report is safe and is in good health.

    “Approach each case with the same level of care and commitment, no matter where you are in the world, because we need you too.

    “I must say this: please, don’t Japa. Let’s do this together and build a better image for the health sector and build our nation.”

    Commenting on the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including workforce migration, the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Prof. Afolabi Lesi, also urged the inductees to remain in the country and contribute to national health goals.

    “The Federal Government is working diligently to improve conditions for health professionals. Your involvement in national health initiatives, community outreach, and public health campaigns will be vital in addressing the needs of underserved regions,” he said. 

    Lesi also underscored the importance of teamwork, urging the inductees to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and administrators to foster a positive and efficient healthcare system. 

    Celebrating the dedication of the graduates, their families, and mentors, the chairman reiterated the MDCN’s commitment to supporting the inductees’ professional growth.

    “The future of healthcare in Nigeria is bright because of your commitment to excellence and service. Let us work together to transform the nation’s healthcare system,” he added. 

    MDCN’s Registrar, Fatima Kyari, stressed the need for professionalism and adherence to ethics among the inductees.

    She reminded the inductees of the council’s strict mechanisms for ensuring accountability, including disciplinary measures for professional misconduct.

  • When Doctors Make Mistakes: Why Medical Errors are So Devastating

    When Doctors Make Mistakes: Why Medical Errors are So Devastating

    NHS data reveals that there were 13,833 new medical negligence claims between 2023 and 2024, a rise of 4% on the previous 12 months. Obstetrics departments receive the largest number of claims, closely followed by emergency medicine and orthopaedic surgery.

    Medical errors cause immense suffering for patients and their families. Though many of these mistakes are preventable, they continue to plague healthcare systems around the world. Understanding why doctors make errors and how patients are impacted can help us reduce these tragic events.

    The Prevalence of Preventable Medical Mistakes

    One BMJ study estimates that preventable medical mistakes may be the third leading cause of death worldwide. Many serious medical errors are reported each month. These include medication mix-ups, misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, and more. While most doctors provide safe, high-quality care, human error is inevitable in a complex system like healthcare. Even simple oversights can have devastating consequences. A fatigued junior doctor can easily make a catastrophic mistake when prescribing medication.

    Why Doctors Make Mistakes

    Heavy workloads, insufficient training, communication breakdowns, outdated technology and fatigue are all factors that contribute to human error in medicine. Doctors, particularly those in training, are often overworked, sleep-deprived, and stressed. Working under these conditions increases the likelihood of lapses in judgement. Lack of experience and inadequate supervision can also lead novice clinicians to make errors. Finally, outdated procedures, inefficient systems and lack of quality control measures allow mistakes to fall through the cracks.

    The Tragic Impact on Patients

    For patients and families, medical errors can result in significant injury, disability or even death. Just as upsetting is loss of trust in physicians and the healthcare system. Patients who are victims of mistakes often experience anger, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and depression. They may fear seeking further treatment, worried about the potential for more errors. Not only does this impact their health, but mistrust can impair the doctor-patient relationship.

    Seeking Accountability and Answers

    In many cases, inadequate communication after an error leaves patients confused and searching for answers. Doctors are often reluctant to disclose mistakes due to fear of malpractice lawsuits or professional discipline. However, patients have a right to know when errors occur and why. Clear explanations demonstrate accountability, allowing patients to make informed decisions about further treatment. Compassionate and transparent disclosure is essential for rebuilding trust.

    Preventing Medical Mistakes

    While not all errors can be avoided, many systemic changes can reduce their likelihood. Improved training, supervision of new doctors, and enforcement of work hour limits help prevent clinician fatigue and knowledge gaps. Updated protocols, checklists, and decision support tools can also improve patient safety. Transitioning to electronic health records reduces mistakes related to illegible handwriting or misplaced charts. Finally, a just culture that reports errors without fear of punishment allows the healthcare system to learn from mistakes rather than covering them up.

    If this happens to you, it’s important to speak to a medical negligence solicitor. Visit this website to learn more.

    The Road Forward

    Medical mistakes will likely never be fully eliminated, given the complexities of healthcare delivery. However, greater focus on transparency, system improvement, and supporting both patients and providers after errors occur can help limit devastating consequences. While we cannot change the past, we can strive to prevent harm in the future.

  • UniZik VC appointment: Southeast, Southsouth doctors declare five-day solidarity warning strike

    UniZik VC appointment: Southeast, Southsouth doctors declare five-day solidarity warning strike

    The South-East Caucus of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has declared a five-day warning strike in solidarity with staff at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

    The strike affects universities in the South-East and South-South regions and is a protest against the exclusion of clinical lecturers from eligibility for the Vice-Chancellor position due to a requirement for candidates to hold a PhD.

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    MDCAN expressed concerns that this criterion, along with the demand for candidates to have secured at least $400 million in research grants and supervised PhD students, unfairly disqualifies clinical lecturers, who primarily oversee medical residents and fellows.

  • VC to doctors: prioritise purpose over monetary gain

    VC to doctors: prioritise purpose over monetary gain

    • By Tunde Adeniyi Sheriff

    Babcock University recently marked a significant milestone by inducting 93 newly qualified medical doctors at its 9th induction ceremony. The event was held in the university’s 600-seat Medical School Auditorium, it was attended by distinguished persons, colleagues, family and friends of the inductees.

    The President/Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has urged newly qualified medical doctors to prioritise their purpose in healthcare over financial gain.

    He spoke at the induction ceremony of  93 newly qualified medical doctors  held in the university’s 600-seat Medical School Auditorium.

    He said: “In a world full of pain and suffering, you are called to a special mission. Be brave, during tough times and always seek divine guidance. You are trained to be missionaries, not mercenaries.”

    Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka, who spoke on behalf of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), urged the new doctors to uphold professional ethics and work within their competence, no matter where they practise.

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    The Ogun State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Lukman Ogunjimi  encouraged the inductees to further their education and embrace technology, urging them to turn “brain drain” into “brain gain” by returning to contribute to the healthcare system.

    Representing the parents of the graduating Orion 9 class, Mr. Tunde Osinjolu, urged the new doctors to treat their patients with compassion. “The world is waiting for you. Go acquire knowledge and technology, but return to give back,” he said.

    Class representative Dr Abikoye Mogbekeloluwa expressed gratitude to the College of Health and Medical Sciences Faculty for their support, noting that perseverance helped the class overcome challenges. The ceremony also saw the support of Prof. John Sotunsa, Provost of the Benjamin Carson College of Medical and Health Sciences, along with other university officials, celebrating the new doctors as they embark on their careers in healthcare.