The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday directed its Committee on Health to investigate the allegation of nonpayment of August salary to resident doctors.

This followed a petition sent to the lawmakers by the state chapter of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) which was signed by Dr Babafemi Thomas, its chairman.

Thomas had alleged that resident doctors in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, were not paid for August because they participated in the last nationwide industrial action by doctors.

The petition was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr Ganiyu Abiru.

Thomas, in the letter, urged the lawmakers to prevail on Gov. Babatunde Fashola to pay the doctors’ salaries in the interest of peace.

The NMA chairman said that resident doctors from other states who joined in the strike were paid for the period of the strike.

Thomas also said the doctors were surprised that the state government had refused to pay them for the period.

In his remark, Mr Rotimi Abiru, the house Deputy Chief Whip, said that the issue raised by NMA was valid.

Abiru (APC-Shomolu II) urged the lawmakers to endeavour to look critically into the doctors’ demands.

He said that the Committee on Health should be mandated to carry out thorough investigation on the NMA’s claims.

Also, Mr Ajibayo Adeyeye, the house leader, said that resident doctors in LASUTH were not paid a month salary.

Adeyeye (APC-Kosofe I) said the house should urgently look into it to avert another industrial action by the association.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who presided over the plenary, directed the Committee on Health to investigate the matter and report back in one week.

NAN reports that NMA had on July 1 embarked on national industrial action which lasted for two months