Lagos doctors go on strike

Members of the Medical Guild -- an association of doctors employed by the Lagos state government -- embarked on an indefinite strike on 5 January 2009. The doctors began the strike after an ultimatum issued to the state government, which demanded an improved working environment, expired. As a result, most public hospitals in Lagos are currently only offering minimal services, and reports indicate that hospitals have turned back patients with critical problems. Affected hospitals include Ayinke House in Ikeja, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Isolo General Hospital, Gbabada General Hospital and Surulere General Hospital, among others. The strike is being widely observed, and reports indicate that doctors attempting to assist patients at the public hospitals have also been forced to stop treatment by individuals claiming to be monitoring the strike. Private hospitals are still operating, but most patients cannot afford the high fees. The Medical Guild has stated that, despite threats from the state government, only peaceful negotiations can help end the strike.