The Lagos State government has faulted the decision of doctors in the State to embark on an industrial action and asked them to return to work.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said in statement while responding to issues raised by members of the medical guild on a 3day warning strike in the state said government had convened a meeting with stakeholders in the health sector.
Omotoso said that despite wrong claims by the guild, the government has been extremely supportive of health workers, especially those at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19.
He added that the government has started paying extra special COVID-19 allowances for frontline workers who were involved directly with the Lagos State COVID-19 Response.
On the disparity in doctors’ salaries, the commissioner attributed it to the skipping policy adopted by some federal institutions, as the new minimum wage in Lagos placed all members of the state above the federal level.
The doctors had raised concerns over heavy taxation of health workers, request for residential quarters, hazard allowance for health workers, and COVID-19 insurance cover, among other things.
Omotoso, responded to each issue raised and assured the residents that while negotiation was ongoing, services at all state-owned health facilities could still be accessed.
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