Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) remains in chaos as resident doctors enter the eighth day of a total shutdown—refusing to back down until their welfare is no longer treated as an afterthought.
The strike, ordered by the national body of resident doctors (NARD), was triggered by what the doctors call a “breaking point” after months of ignored pleas. At a fiery press briefing on Monday, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at LUTH fired off two non-negotiable demands: finish our quarters now and bring back our call duty meals.
For over 18 months, a stalled renovation project has locked doctors out of their on-site residential quarters. The result? Exhausted physicians some commuting from as far as Ogun State—are sleeping in their cars, hospital couches, or anywhere they can grab a few minutes of rest between 24-hour shifts.
“This is not about comfort. This is about safety—ours and our patients’,” the ARD declared, urging the Federal Government to release funds immediately so the Chief Medical Director can complete the quarters.
‘We Work Overnight—But We Can’t Eat?’
The second demand hit harder: the withdrawal of call duty meals. Doctors argue that during marathon shifts often lasting over 24 hours leaving their posts to find food is not an option. They insist that providing meals is not a favor, but a basic necessity to keep them functioning during emergencies.
“Other federal hospitals provide this. Why is LUTH the exception?” the union asked, pointing out that the policy reversal puts both doctors and patients at risk.
Final Warning: No Intervention, No End
The ARD ended with a direct appeal to Coordinating Minister Ali Pate, Minister of State Dr. Iziaq Salako, and all Nigerians warning that without urgent action, the disruption will continue.
“We want to be at the bedside. That’s where we belong,” the association stressed. “But we cannot pour from an empty cup. Quality healthcare dies when those providing it are abandoned.”
For now, the union says its doors remain open for dialogue—but its resolve is iron. The clock is ticking, and patients are watching.
