Press Releases

Medical Doctors In Lagos Call Off Strike Action

May 11, 2009 - Medical Doctors under the employment of the Lagos State Government on Monday called off their one week strike action just as the State Government restated that it has not done anything in response to pressure in resolving the dispute.

The Government’s position was known at a joint press briefing addressed by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barrister Opeyemi Bamidele and his Health counterpart, Dr Jide Idris at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa.

According to Dr Jide Idris, part of the agreements reached on Sunday at the peace meeting held between the State Government and members of the Guild include the implementation of the welfare package for health workers in Lagos within the shortest possible time (latest June 2009).

The Health Commissioner also said it was agreed at the meeting that any fallout that might have arisen out of the called off action would be addressed by a duly constituted committee at a later date while the issue of Dr Olaifa, the former Chairman of the State Medical Guild whose appointment was terminated would be addressed through the appropriate government machinery if he appeals.

Dr Idris acknowledged the efforts of the doctors, nurses and other health workers who continued to render medical services to the various Government Hospitals during the period of the strike for their compassion and commitment to patient care.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barr. Opeyemi Bamidele reiterated the commitment of the State Government to address health issues very seriously, adding that the strike should not have taken place in the first place because the State Executive Council had already approved an improved welfare package for the health workers.

He added that the decision to implement the welfare package was not in response to the strike action but had been in place before it, saying what is left is the implementation which the Government is committed to.

Dr Jide Idris also said the State Government had already given approval for the engagement of 1442 personnel across all the various sections of the health sector, adding that at no time did the issue of separately employing 200 Doctors to cushion the effect of the strike occur.

The Health Commissioner also promised that the State Government would address the issue of former Chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr Olaifa by using Public Service channels for seeking redress if indeed he seeks one.

Mr Bamidele appealed to the media not to personalize the issue of the resolved strike action around against any personality, adding that there are several public servants who have been affected by such actions in the past and have taken recourse within the service.

The State Government also acknowledged with gratitude the exceptional support and noble role played by members of the elders Forum of the NMA and the Medical Advisory Committee like Dr Ore Falomo, Dr Tosin Ajayi, Dr Omolola, Dr Osinowo and several other senior stakeholders who have demonstrated that they are real patriots.

Also present at the media briefing were Special Adviser on Health, Mr Toyin Hamzat, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Agbe Davies and her Information and Strategy counterpart, Mrs Ranti Odutola.