Clear doctors’ salary arrears, Medical Guild urges Lagos

Yusuf Markcos Joshua
3 Min Read

The Medical Guild has urged the Lagos State Government to settle outstanding professional and specialist allowance arrears owed to eligible medical and dental practitioners, while calling for improved welfare, workplace safety and healthcare infrastructure.
The association made the demands in a statement issued on Monday by its Chairman, Dr Olusanya Ayodele, and Secretary, Dr Aisudo Kolawole, as it marks 100 years of service.

The Guild acknowledged progress made through engagements with the state government on the harmonisation and implementation of revised professional and specialist allowances. However, it expressed concern over unpaid arrears, the coverage of eligible cadres and administrative discrepancies affecting implementation.

“Our position is clear: an approved policy must translate into actual payment, and no eligible cadre should be left behind because of administrative or interpretative challenges,” the statement said.

The association urged relevant government ministries, departments and agencies to expedite the reconciliation and payment of outstanding arrears, resolve implementation discrepancies and ensure that all eligible practitioners receive their entitlements.

It also called for the prompt implementation of relevant collective bargaining agreements following the conclusion of negotiations at the federal level.

On welfare, the association called on the state government to improve residential accommodation at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and address safety concerns at the House Officers’ quarters at General Hospital Lagos, Odan.

The Guild cited the death of Dr Vwaere Diaso in a lift collapse as a reminder of the need to prioritise safety in doctors’ residential facilities.

It called for structural assessments, professional certification, regular maintenance and accountability before residential buildings are approved for occupation.

“We do not believe that a facility should be declared ready for occupation simply because construction or renovation has been completed. Safety must be independently verified, not merely assumed,” the statement added.

The association also called for sustained investment in primary healthcare facilities, adequate staffing, functional medical equipment and reliable supplies.

According to the Guild, strengthening primary healthcare would help reduce preventable illnesses and ease pressure on secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions.

As part of its centenary celebrations, the Guild said it had organised medical outreaches, hospital visits, institutional engagements and sporting activities.

Ayodele announced that the Guild’s Centenary Opening Ceremony and Scientific Conference would take place on October 27.

The event is themed “100 Years of Healthcare Delivery: Celebrating the Past, Transforming the Present, Shaping the Future”.

The centenary provides an opportunity for the association to reflect on its contributions to healthcare delivery while renewing its call for improved working conditions, professional welfare and a stronger healthcare system in Lagos State.

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