In commemoration of this year’s International Doctors’ Day, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos State, shared a heartfelt message acknowledging the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices of medical professionals in Lagos State, despite facing numerous challenges.
In his message, he highlighted the advocacy efforts made by NMA Lagos to address key issues affecting doctors, such as, reinstatement of interdicted medical professionals, collaboration with security agencies and government bodies, improvement of living conditions for house officers, protection of doctors from unfair malpractice allegations and implementation of better remuneration and working conditions for doctors.
He concluded the message by reaffirming the association’s commitment to demanding better welfare, pushing boundaries, and creating a healthcare system that values the sacrifices of medical professionals.
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
On this International Doctors’ Day, we take a moment to honor and celebrate you—our dedicated, resilient, and selfless medical professionals who continue to uphold the highest standards of care despite the many challenges you encounter.
Your unwavering commitment to saving lives, often under the most difficult conditions, is a testament to your passion, skill, and unrelenting dedication to humanity. We recognize the immense sacrifices you make daily—working long hours, navigating limited resources, and persevering despite inadequate remuneration and infrastructural deficits.
You are the backbone of our healthcare system, the lifeline of countless patients, and the unsung heroes of society. While we acknowledge the stark disparities in working conditions between our healthcare system and those of more advanced nations, we remain steadfast in our resolve to advocate for your welfare, improved facilities, and a more enabling environment for medical practice in Lagos State and beyond.
Since assuming office (in August 2024), we have prioritized your well-being, tirelessly engaging stakeholders and government authorities at every opportunity to amplify your voices and highlight the pressing challenges you face. Our advocacy remains unwavering, especially in securing better conditions for young professionals navigating the demanding landscape of our profession.
In line with this commitment, we have made significant strides in addressing key concerns within our medical community:
1. Reinstatement of the interdicted former Provost of Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), ensuring justice and fairness in medical leadership.
2. Strengthening collaborations with the Lagos State Police Command, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Panti, Lagos State Police Medical Team, Police Force, Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs) Zone 2 & Alagbon, and the Police Force Medical Officer of Nigeria to improve security and medico-legal support for doctors.
3. Engagement with the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to advocate for the reintroduction of call duty meals, a longstanding necessity that has been neglected for years.
4. Initiation of the construction of NMA Lagos State’s permanent secretariat, marking a historic milestone for our association.
5. Efforts to improve living conditions for house officers at the House Officers Quarters, General Hospital (GH) Lagos, with ongoing renovation and plans for an electronic elevator system.
6. Stakeholder engagement across federal, state, and private health institutions to ensure better remuneration, improved working conditions, and enhanced security for medical professionals.
7. Protection of doctors from undue criminalization and unfair malpractice allegations, ensuring a fair and just professional environment.
8. Prevention of daily register signing for doctors in hospitals, recognizing the unique, time-intensive nature of medical work.
9. Continued dialogue with government bodies to address the “JAPA syndrome” and retain skilled medical professionals in Lagos State.
10. Development of a collaborative relationship with the Lagos State Task Force, enhancing advocacy and operational synergy.
11. Strengthening ties with professional bodies such as the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), NAMIM, Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and Lagos State NLC, fostering solidarity in the healthcare sector.
12. Implementation of the new minimum wage and MRTF for doctors under the employment of the Lagos State Government in collaboration with Medical Guild and LASUTH ARD.
13. Engagement of the Permanent Secretary of Primary Health Care Board (PHCB) for the provision of call duty meals for doctors at the Comprehensive Primary Health Centres (PHC) through the PHCB or PHCB Districts.
14. Engagement of the Permanent Secretary for the payment of Rural Allowances for PHCB doctors in rural areas in Lagos State.
15. Engagement of Health Service Commission (HSC) on the increment of Hazard Allowances for doctors working at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba.
16. Engagement of Lagos State Government (LASG) on the implementation of an increment in the retirement age of healthcare workers.
17. Engagement with Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebute Metta management for the reinstatement of a sacked doctor.
18. Engagement with the Provosts of College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), and Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) for the presentation of awards to the best graduating medical and dental students in both institutions.
19. Engagement with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on issues of medical and criminal negligence.
20. Engagement with Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) management for toll-free access for doctors entering LASUTH.
21. Collaboration with NARD, Medical Guild, LASUTH ARD, MDCN LASUTH, NMA Benue State, and the Nigerian Police Force for the successful rescue of a kidnapped doctor.As we celebrate today, let us also reaffirm our collective resolve to demand better, push boundaries, and create a healthcare system that truly values the sacrifices we make.
Our strength lies in our unity, our voice in our unwavering advocacy, and our future in the relentless pursuit of excellence.
We will not relent. We will not be silenced. We will continue to fight for the dignity, welfare, and respect that every doctor in Lagos State and Nigeria deserves.
Today, we honor you. Today, we celebrate you. Today, we remind the world that without doctors, there is no healthcare.
Happy International Doctors’ Day!
Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed
Chairman, NMA Lagos
31/03/2025
