The Medical Guild Lagos has called for urgent reforms to address the persistent no-bed crisis and the breakdown of referral systems in hospitals across the state.
The Chairman of the Guild, Dr. Maruf Abdul-Salam, made the appeal at a media briefing organized to herald the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference, held at its secretariat in Gbagada.
He said the theme of the conference, “The No-Bed Conundrum and Safe Referral: Exploring an Integrated and Effective Referral System in Lagos State,” was chosen to highlight systemic challenges that compromise patient safety and delay life-saving care.
According to him, the conference aims to shape policy direction and reposition healthcare delivery in Lagos.
“The no-bed syndrome has become an elephant in the room. It affects the quality and safety of healthcare in Lagos State,” he said.
“A referral system can only work when each facility understands its limits, communicates effectively and has the means to transfer patients safely. We expect that outcomes from the scientific sessions will inform future government policies on emergency referrals, patient flow and coordination.”
Abdul-Salam said leading experts had been assembled for the week-long conference, which will address the weaknesses in Lagos’s referral infrastructure.
He also highlighted several unresolved issues with the state government, including the abandoned Doctors’ Quarters at General Hospital Odan and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and what he described as a draconian bonding policy.
Other concerns include the demotion of consultants through incorrect step placement, reduced income and morale, non-payment of teaching allowances, and non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions.
He added that doctors on Grade Level 12 had yet to receive their entitled teaching allowances under CONMESS and that the lack of comprehensive health insurance for doctors remains a critical issue.
“We are displeased that the quarters at Odan have not been completed, two years after the elevator crash that claimed the life of Dr. Vwaere Diaso,” he said.
“It is painful that two years after the tragic loss of our colleague, the renovation remains abandoned, and the contractor has left the site for over six months due to lack of funds. The unfinished LASUTH residents’ quarters in Ikeja is also affecting workforce availability and service delivery.
“These issues will be tabled at our general meeting on Thursday for members to take firm decisions.”
As the Guild prepares for a leadership transition and approaches its centenary in 2026, Abdul-Salam highlighted several achievements under his tenure.
These include prompt payment of the revised CONMESS and arrears, registration of the Guild with the Corporate Affairs Commission, completion of processes leading to the Guild’s Certificate of Occupancy, and facilitation of housing allocations and mortgage-enabled private schemes.
He added that the Guild disbursed ₦29.5 million from the Guild Health Fund to members with serious health challenges and introduced masterclasses for clinical professional development.
The Chairman reaffirmed the Guild’s support for the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), urging the Federal Government to address its 19-point demand to prevent further disruption of specialist training and hospital services.
As the Guild moves closer to its 100th anniversary, he commended members for their resilience.
“In spite of the difficult terrain and thankless conditions, our doctors have remained steadfast in their service to the people of Lagos,” he said.
He appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene in completing abandoned housing projects and resolving all pending labor issues.
He noted that, despite the challenges, the Guild maintains a collaborative relationship with the Lagos State Government rooted in mutual respect.
The Medical Guild, founded in 1926, is the umbrella body of all medical and dental doctors employed by the Lagos State Government.
