Healthcare workers in Lagos State have raised the alarm over massive deductions from their salaries and what they describe as a growing disregard for their welfare by the state government. According to a frontline worker, who spoke anonymously, the situation has reached unprecedented levels of hardship, compounded by increased taxation.

" After collecting it, he went further to deduct more money from our salaries and then increased our taxes. In fact, the height of this wickedness is what I have never seen, " she lamented.

The worker questioned the government' s treatment of healthcare professionals, pointing out their significant contribution to the state' s economy. She revealed that Lagos Island Maternity alone generates over N50 million monthly from laboratory services, excluding other income streams.

" And the most painful thing is that the Lagos State government is generating a lot of money from the health sector. In fact, most general hospitals are generating over N100 million per month for the state government, " she added.

Highlighting deepening inequalities within the sector, the worker said that healthcare employees have remained on stagnant wages for years despite their length of service and promotions.

" They don' t want us to achieve anything. They want us just to be working for them. As I' m talking to you now, the salary I was supposed to earn at level 9 is what I' m earning at level 14. It is an eyesore, " she said.