The Struggle for Basic Rights: Doctors in Lagos Face Ongoing Challenges
Doctors working in Lagos State public hospitals are facing a growing crisis, with multiple issues affecting their welfare and professional environment. Among the most pressing concerns is the denial of call duty meals to medical professionals during overnight and emergency shifts. This issue has sparked outrage among medical associations and has led to demands for immediate action.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), specifically its Lagos State chapter, has condemned the ongoing practice of withholding meal allowances from doctors on call. According to reports, this situation has persisted for over five years, despite repeated complaints and discussions with hospital management. The association describes the lack of meals as inhumane and unacceptable, emphasizing that it is a basic right for medical staff who work long hours without adequate support.
PUNCH Healthwise reported that the issue was recently brought to the forefront during an emergency general meeting of the NMA Lagos. During this virtual gathering, the association vowed to take a firm stance on the matter, highlighting that the welfare of doctors should not be neglected. A communiqué issued after the meeting revealed that the LUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, had rejected the demand for free call duty meals during a recent courtesy visit attended by leaders of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (MDCAN).
In response, the NMA Lagos expressed its dissatisfaction with the proposed subsidised canteen system, arguing that call duty meals should be considered a fundamental necessity, not a privilege. The association emphasized that doctors working around the clock require proper nourishment to carry out their duties effectively. It also stated that the matter would be reviewed at the next General Congress, following further deliberations by ARD LUTH.
Beyond the call duty meal issue, the NMA Lagos has also addressed the unrest among doctors in Lagos State public hospitals. This stems from the failure of the state government to refund unauthorized salary deductions made in July 2025. While previous deductions in April were refunded after protests, the latest round occurred without explanation, leading to widespread discontent.
The Medical Guild, which represents doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, declared a 21-day ultimatum starting August 5, 2025, threatening an indefinite strike if the deductions were not reversed and full August salaries paid. The NMA Lagos fully supported the Medical Guild’s position, warning that it would embark on a solidarity strike two weeks after the commencement of the Guild’s strike if the government failed to address the issue.
The association stressed that these repeated deductions are not only unlawful but also provocative, creating a climate of financial uncertainty for medical professionals. It emphasized that doctors cannot continue to work under such conditions while also enduring neglect in terms of welfare provisions.
Another concern raised by the NMA is the non-payment of skipped arrears owed to some doctors at LUTH. While other federal institutions have already settled such arrears, many doctors at LUTH are still waiting for payment. The NMA noted that the LUTH CMD had directed MDCAN to compile a fresh list of affected doctors for payment processing. However, the association warned that if this process fails, the management should revert to the existing list previously used by the Accounts Department when partial payments were made in the past.
In response to the allegations, the LUTH CMD, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, stated that the decision to not pay for call meals was made before his tenure as medical director. He explained that the hospital could not afford to spend about N500,000 daily on providing meals for doctors. Despite this, he described the recent outburst by the NMA as mischievous and insisted that he enjoys a cordial relationship with the ARD and MDCAN of the hospital.
Adeyemo added that the hospital’s position on call meals was established about six to seven years ago, with all unions involved. He reiterated that the hospital’s responsibility is to provide a cafeteria where people can get subsidised meals, and the process is ongoing. He also clarified that the government is not providing funds to feed anyone, and he has communicated this to all relevant parties.
Regarding the alleged non-payment of skipping arrears, Adeyemo stated that he is not aware of any such debt, claiming that if any doctor owes money, they should produce evidence. He emphasized that he is not aware of any outstanding payments and that MDCAN has not informed him of any such claims.
