Posted on: Tue 04-11-2025

As the indefinite strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) entered its third day, the corridors of major government hospitals in Lagos were filled with pain, silence, and uncertainty.

 

From the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (NOHIL), and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, patients and their families endured endless waits — not for doctors on call, but for the strike to end.

 

The striking doctors, who accuse the Federal Government of failing to pay outstanding allowances amounting to N48 billion and of irregular salary payments, began their nationwide industrial action on October 27.

 

Three days later, hundreds of patients across Lagos lamented cancelled appointments and postponed surgeries, many of which had been scheduled months or even years in advance.

 

At LASUTH, a distraught mother whose son had been waiting three years for a corrective surgery recounted her frustration.

 

“My son was booked after three years of back and forth. We finally got November 3 for his surgery, now it’s been cancelled because of the strike. I don’t even know what to tell him anymore,” she said, visibly distressed.

 

Another patient, Mr. Peter Adebayo, who had been scheduled for an eye consultation, described his ordeal. “I was turned back two weeks ago after the doctor said he was tired. When I came back on Monday, they told me the doctors are now on strike. Why are we being treated like this in this country?” he lamented.

 

A visit to LASUTH and other tertiary facilities over the weekend revealed near-deserted wards and outpatient clinics. Only nurses were seen on duty, attending to patients where possible.

 

At the children’s ward in LASUTH, parents paced the corridors anxiously, whispering prayers and making frantic phone calls.

 

“I was at LASUTH on Saturday to see a neighbour’s daughter who has been on admission,” a visitor recounted. “There were no doctors, not even senior consultants. I went back yesterday, and it was the same thing — only nurses were around. Normally, when resident doctors strike, consultants take over, but this time the place is empty. I just hope the Federal Government resolves this quickly.”

 

Speaking with Vanguard, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Toba Babarinsa, confirmed full compliance with the national directive.

 

“This is a national, not a hospital strike,” he said. “We can only resume when the issues are resolved at the national level. For now, we have joined the strike since November 1, in accordance with the directive of our national body.”

 

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to hang over public hospitals as patients and their families appeal to the Federal Government and NARD to find a quick resolution to the impasse.

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