The Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (ARD LUTH), has raised alarm over lingering welfare issues affecting its members and has given the hospital’s management a four-week ultimatum to resolve them.
In a communiqué signed by its President, Dr. Ewanosetin Benjamin Uyi, and General Secretary, Dr. Komolafe Ayo, after its August Ordinary General Meeting held on August 20, 2025, the association listed several concerns demanding urgent attention.
Key issues highlighted include the non-payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), exclusion of members from the Lagos Medical Cooperative Society, the lack of meals for doctors on call duty, and the need to adopt electronic voting in future association elections.
The doctors expressed disappointment at the continued delay in the release of the MRTF, stressing that it has made it difficult for members to register for professional examinations. They warned that if the matter is not addressed within four weeks, the association will have no choice but to take further action.
The communiqué also revealed that a reconciliatory committee will be established to engage the Lagos Medical Cooperative Society in resolving disputes and to negotiate fairer terms for future cooperation.
ARD LUTH noted that the non-payment of the MRTF has forced doctors to personally bear the cost of exam registration, creating financial strain and reducing exam participation. They described the situation as unacceptable, urging the hospital management to act swiftly.
On the issue of call meals, members condemned the failure of management to provide food for doctors during overnight duties. They resolved to formally notify management of the impact of this neglect, while also tying it to the four-week ultimatum issued on August 22, 2025.
The association further agreed to set up a committee to explore the introduction of e-voting, ensuring a transparent and fair process in future elections. According to the resolution, the committee will include ICT experts from various departments but exclude those intending to contest for executive positions, in order to avoid bias.
“The Congress of ARD LUTH expressed deep concern over the non-payment of MRTF despite repeated assurances. The consequences are already evident, with members struggling to register for exams, facing financial difficulties, and risking low turnout or failures,” part of the statement read.
It added that the Congress had also examined the exclusion of ARD LUTH from the Lagos Medical Cooperative Society, describing it as unfair and requiring urgent redress.
The communiqué emphasized that the reconciliatory committee would include both current executives and past leaders, who will work together to address grievances and prevent a repeat of the issues.
Acknowledging the importance of e-voting, the Congress resolved that the committee handling it should also liaise with other medical centers where digital voting has already been implemented successfully.
In closing, the association appreciated the support of past and present leaders while urging the Chief Medical Director, Professor Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo—himself a former leader of ARD LUTH—to intervene decisively, stressing that members’ welfare cannot continue to be overlooked.
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