Healthcare services across Lagos State have been severely disrupted as the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) extended their ongoing strike, leaving patients stranded in public hospitals and worsening access to essential medical care.
The strike, which involves nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other allied health professionals in state-owned facilities, has significantly slowed operations.
Outpatient clinics remain shut in several hospitals, laboratory services are limited, and many patients requiring routine treatment have been forced to turn to costly private alternatives.
JOHESU said the strike was triggered by unresolved welfare concerns and the state government’s alleged failure to fully implement agreements previously reached with health workers.
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Key issues reportedly include non-payment or delay of salary adjustments, outstanding allowances, promotion arrears, poor working conditions, and disparities in remuneration between different categories of health professionals.
The union also raised concerns about staffing shortages and what it described as neglect of non-physician health workers in policy decisions affecting the sector.
Union leaders maintain that the industrial action became inevitable after repeated appeals and negotiations failed to produce concrete results.
They insist the strike is aimed at compelling authorities to address long-standing grievances and protect the integrity of the healthcare system.
Meanwhile, patients and their families continue to bear the brunt of the shutdown. Some have been forced to reschedule surgeries, suspend treatments, or seek care in private hospitals at significantly higher costs.
Health advocates warn that prolonged disruption could endanger vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and patients with chronic conditions.
As the strike lingers, pressure is mounting on the Lagos State Government to urgently reopen dialogue and reach a compromise. For thousands who rely on public hospitals, a swift resolution is not just desirable it is critical.
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