The Medical Guild, an association of doctors under the employment of the Lagos state government, says more than 200 doctors involved in the fight against COVID-19, have tested positive for the disease.
In a statement, Oluwajimi Sodipo and Ismail Ajibowo, chairman and secretary of the guild, charged the state government to be more committed to the welfare of health workers, especially those treating COVID-19 patients.
The guild, however, accused Lagos government of painting its members in a bad light over a three-day warning strike they embarked on.
The cable reports that the association advised ministries and agencies of Lagos government “to imbibe the spirit of engagement and negotiation to enable people of Lagos to enjoy uninterrupted healthcare services”.
It said since its inception in 1926, the guild has been at the forefront of innovative ideas and untiring efforts with the government on issues of health sector development.
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“The Guild attempted all within its powers to prevent the strike. We started by drawing the attention of the state government to the fact that more than 200 medical doctors, who are members of the Guild, have been infected with COVID-19,” the statement read.
“Hence, the government has been paying any amount deemed fit, usually after agitations. The Federal Government on the other hand had earlier engaged the various medical/health associations in discussions and came up with a negotiated agreement.
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“We expect the same to be done to our members in Lagos State, especially as we are the hub of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
The guild leaders appreciated the efforts of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife; Hakeem Muri-Okunola, head of service; Rilwan Akiolu, oba of Lagos; and other well-meaning Nigerians that had intervened toward resolving the issues.
With over 12,500 COVID-19 cases, Lagos is the epicenter of the disease in Nigeria.
