PATIENTS GROAN AS RESIDENT DOCTORS’ STRIKE ENTERS THIRD DAY, PARALYSING SERVICES IN MAJOR HOSPITALS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
As the indefinite strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) entered its third day, the corridors of major government-owned hospitals have become scenes of pain, silence, and uncertainty.
From the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (NOHIL), and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, patients and their families are enduring long waits — not for doctors, but for an end to the nationwide strike.
The industrial action, which began on October 27, follows what NARD described as the Federal Government’s failure to pay unpaid allowances amounting to ₦48 billion, alongside erratic salary payments and poor working conditions.
While doctors insist the strike is necessary, patients are left stranded and despondent.
One of the heartbreaking cases is that of a mother whose son had waited three years for a corrective surgery at LASUTH. Their long-awaited procedure, scheduled for November 3,c has now been cancelled.
“My son was booked after three years of back and forth. We finally got November 3rd for his surgery, now it’s been cancelled because of the strike. I don’t even know what to tell him anymore,” the distraught parent said.
Another patient, Peter Adebayo, expressed frustration after being turned back multiple times at LUTH.
“Two weeks ago, the doctor said he was tired. When I returned on Monday, they told me the doctors are on strike. Why are we being treated like this in this country?” he lamented.
A visit to LASUTH over the weekend revealed empty wards and deserted clinics, with only nurses attending to patients. At the children’s ward, anxious parents paced the hallways, some whispering prayers while others made desperate calls for updates.
“There were no doctors, not even senior consultants,” a concerned observer told Vanguard. “Normally, when junior doctors go on strike, consultants step in. But this time, it’s empty. I just hope the Federal Government responds quickly.”
The situation was the same at LUTH, NOHIL, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, where resident doctors have fully complied with the national directive.
Dr. Toba Babarinsa, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, confirmed total compliance.
“This is a national and not a hospital strike,” he said. “We can only resume when the issues are resolved nationally. For now, we have joined the strike since November 1, in accordance with our national body’s directive.”
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said the strike became inevitable after repeated ultimatums expired without any response from the government.
“This is a national security matter and a national disaster. We hope the government gives it the emergency attention it deserves,” he stated.
Doctors are demanding timely salary payments, improved welfare, and better hospital funding. A resident doctor at LUTH revealed that September salaries were paid on October 7, while October pay remains pending.
“A doctor who is stressed, underpaid, and demoralised is already a risk to the patient,” he added.
At Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital, multiple scheduled surgeries have been postponed indefinitely, while at the Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, outpatient consultations have stopped, leaving many without access to critical medication.
“We’ve waited too long,” a parent said. “It’s not just about surgery anymore it’s about saving lives that can’t wait.”
As the strike drags on, patients across Nigeria continue to pray for a swift resolution one that will bring both doctors back to the wards and hope back to the corridors of public hospitals.
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