Doctors in Lagos announce a three-day warning strike in protest of pay cuts
Beginning today, medical professionals working for the Lagos State Government will go on a three-day warning strike in protest of what they call the
state's "illegal and disrespectful" salary deductions.The Medical Guild, which represents doctors and dentists in the state's public sector, has stated that the strike will start at 8 a.m. and terminate at the same time on Thursday.
Chairman Dr. Japhet Olugbogi said at a press conference at the Guild's secretariat in Lagos that the decision came after several unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue through discussion.
He said that the state government's unilateral deduction of a portion of doctors' salary in April marked the start of the dispute. After what he called "spirited intervention and strategic engagement," the deductions were later reversed; however, in July, a new round of deductions occurred, "this time without prior notice or explanation."
The physicians' list of demands included 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) and the immediate reversal of the July reductions.
The physicians' list of demands included 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) and the immediate reversal of the July reductions.
The Ministry of Health stated that the government was already investigating "all grievances of the doctors with utmost sincerity and urgency," acknowledging the worries expressed by the Medical Guild leadership.
According to a statement released last night by the ministry's Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, "negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing."
According to the statement: "The government is especially concerned about the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers throughout the state, as this is the first time the ministry has seen such a development in recent years."
According to a statement released last night by the ministry's Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, "negotiations and engagements with the Medical Guild are ongoing."
According to the statement: "The government is especially concerned about the welfare, motivation, and productivity of all healthcare workers throughout the state, as this is the first time the ministry has seen such a development in recent years."
n order to settle all unresolved disputes, a conciliation committee was previously established, consisting of members from the Government and the Medical Guild. In accordance with current laws and financial requirements, meetings have been held and documents supplied by the Guild are being thoroughly examined.
"As a responsible government, we recognize the vital role that our healthcare professionals play in providing the more than 20 million citizens of Lagos State with timely, high-quality healthcare services. In the interest of all parties, particularly the citizens who would be the most negatively impacted by any service interruption, we implore the Medical Guild to keep up the discourse as we seek a fair and peaceful conclusion.
"As a responsible government, we recognize the vital role that our healthcare professionals play in providing the more than 20 million citizens of Lagos State with timely, high-quality healthcare services. In the interest of all parties, particularly the citizens who would be the most negatively impacted by any service interruption, we implore the Medical Guild to keep up the discourse as we seek a fair and peaceful conclusion.
Therefore, the Lagos State Ministry of Health is pleading with the Medical Guild to change its mind on the warning strike and let the current talks come to a successful conclusion. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is still dedicated to advancing healthcare workers' well-being and maintaining workplace peace in the medical field.
"We express our gratitude to the Lagos community for their understanding and patience, and we reassure them that backup plans are being implemented to reduce any potential disruptions to healthcare services during this time."
"We express our gratitude to the Lagos community for their understanding and patience, and we reassure them that backup plans are being implemented to reduce any potential disruptions to healthcare services during this time."
Comments
Post a Comment