Medical Guild urges Lagos to pay doctors’ arrears

The Medical Guild has called on the Lagos State government to clear outstanding arrears of professional and specialist allowances owed to eligible medical and dental practitioners.

The association also urged the government to improve doctors’ accommodation, workplace safety and healthcare infrastructure as it celebrates 100 years of service.

The demands were contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman, Dr Olusanya Ayodele, and the Secretary, Dr Aisudo Kolawole.

The Guild acknowledged progress made through engagements with the state government on the harmonisation and implementation of revised professional and specialist allowances but said concerns remained over unpaid arrears, coverage of eligible cadres and administrative discrepancies.

“Our position is clear: an approved policy must translate into actual payment, and no eligible cadre should be left behind because of administrative or interpretative challenges.

“The Guild wants relevant government ministries, departments and agencies to expedite the reconciliation and payment of outstanding arrears, resolve implementation discrepancies and ensure eligible practitioners receive their entitlements,” the statement said.

The association also called for the prompt implementation of relevant collective bargaining agreements following the conclusion of negotiations at the federal level.

On welfare, it urged the government to improve residential accommodation at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and ensure the safety of the House Officers’ quarters at General Hospital Lagos, Odan, following the death of Dr Vwaere Diaso in a lift collapse.

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The Guild said the incident underscored the need for structural assessments, professional certification, regular maintenance and accountability before residential facilities were approved for occupation.

“We do not believe that a facility should be declared ready for occupation simply because construction or renovation has been completed. Safety must be independently verified, not merely assumed.

“We also call for sustained investment in primary healthcare facilities, adequate staffing, functional equipment and reliable medical supplies, noting that effective primary healthcare would reduce preventable illnesses and pressure on secondary and tertiary institutions,” it stated.

On the centenary programme, Olusanya said activities already undertaken included medical outreaches, hospital visits, institutional engagements and sporting activities.

He announced that the Guild’s Centenary Opening Ceremony and Scientific Conference would be held on October 27, with the theme “100 Years of Healthcare Delivery: Celebrating the Past, Transforming the Present, Shaping the Future.”