The Lagos state chapter of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) are back to work after weeks of strike.
A statement by Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos Commissioner for Information said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has met some of their demands.
The governor met the union leaders and others at his office in Alausa, Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu said the doctors didn’t need to join the national strike in solidarity because the state government has been fulfilling its obligations.
Issues discussed included the Head of Service (HOS) removal of Housemanship and NYSC doctors from the Scheme of Service.
The HOS explained that the decision was made at the federal level and domesticated in states.
The Medical Residency Training Act, which makes provision for sponsorship of Resident Doctors training to be Specialists in Federal or State Medical Schools, was also discussed.
Omotoso recalled that Sanwo-Olu in April approved full sponsorship for doctors in Lagos.
He directed implementation of the state’s support of both the exams and updated courses that lead to qualification as specialists in various fields of medicine.
“Mr. Governor approved the recruitment of over 150 new resident doctors and medical officers to reduce the human resource deficit in the public service.
“Mr. Governor approved the commencement of the building of the Medical Residents Quarters at LASUTH as well as other medical staff quarters across the State.
“On the discrepancy between the remuneration packages of the state and federal doctors in the public service, Mr. Governor approved the final tranche of 25 per cent difference to complete the harmonisation”, Omotoso noted.
Present at the meeting were Lagos State Medical Guild members, ARD executives, Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi.
Chief Medical Director LASUTH, Prof, O. Fabanwo; Health Service Commission (HSC) Chairman, Dr. Atinuke Onaiga; Dr Sodipo Oluwajimi, Chairman Medical Guild; Dr Ajibowo Ismail, Secretary Medical Guild, among others attended.
