LUTH Rejects ARD Demand for Free Meals During Strike

The management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) rejected the demand from the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LUTH chapter, for free meals during call hours and night duty. Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of LUTH, stated that this request is not part of the conditions of service approved by the federal government for staff of federal tertiary health institutions.

The ARD began its strike last Monday, disrupting services at LUTH. Adeyemo noted that two rounds of discussions had occurred, but the union remained firm on its demands.

He referenced a binding agreement from seven years ago, which stated that free meals for staff on duty were "neither realistic nor sustainable." Instead, it was agreed that a cafeteria would be built to serve staff. Management warned that granting the demand would breach this agreement and could lead to unrest among other unions.

They also highlighted the delivery of the cafeteria as evidence of good faith.