Major hospitals across Lagos have been thrown into chaos as the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) entered its third day, leaving patients stranded and several surgeries cancelled.
Reports from multiple outlets, including Vanguard and BusinessDay, indicate that the strike has paralyzed activities at major medical institutions such as the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (NOHIL), and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba.
According to NARD, the strike was declared over the Federal Government’s failure to address issues bordering on unpaid allowances, delayed salaries, and poor welfare conditions.
“Our members are frustrated and overworked,” a NARD spokesperson said. “We have waited too long for promises that remain unfulfilled.”
Patients and their families have been the hardest hit. Several people expressed anger and despair after learning that scheduled surgeries and appointments were abruptly cancelled due to the strike.
At LASUTH, one patient who had waited years for a corrective surgery reportedly broke down after learning the procedure would no longer hold. Others at LUTH and Igbobi were also turned back as departments remained understaffed.
While some emergency services continued under the supervision of consultants and nurses, most routine and elective procedures were suspended.
In a response, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed immediate talks with NARD to end the strike and restore normal services.
Analysts have described the situation as another reminder of Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system and the need for sustainable investment in medical infrastructure and staff welfare.
“Resident doctors form the backbone of Nigeria’s hospitals,” said a health policy expert. “Whenever they down tools, the system practically shuts down.”
Written By:Subair Damilare Adebayo
