The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Association (AHPA) have instructed their members to initiate an indefinite strike, citing unmet demands from the government.
Speaking at a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Dr Obinna Ogbonna, the National Vice President of JOHESU, announced the decision.
JOHESU serves as the collective organization for various unions and associations representing health workers in Nigeria, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, Senior Staff Association of Universities’ Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, and AHPA.
The health workers have presented several key demands to the government, which include the immediate approval and implementation of the Technical Committee report on CONHESS adjustment, prompt payment of omitted and shortfall COVID-19 hazard/inducement allowances for affected health workers in Federal Health Institutions, recognition of health workers in non-core hospital facilities for the payment of new hazard allowances, as well as the payment and inclusion of peculiar allowances for health workers under JOHESU/AHPA.
Additional demands include the unconditional implementation of the Pharmacist Consultant cadre, immediate payment of all withheld salaries for Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, and the outstanding April and May 2018 salaries of members at NOFIC, Azare. Furthermore, they call for the swift implementation of the increase in retirement age from 60 to 65 years and 70 years for Consultants in the health professions.
The leadership of JOHESU previously issued a letter on May 9, 2023, giving the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum due to alleged inconsistencies in ongoing negotiations regarding the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers.
The ultimatum, which commenced on May 10, 2023, expired at midnight on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
Dr Obinna emphasized, “In light of the negligent, biased, and apathetic approach of the Federal Ministry of Health towards JOHESU members and the resolution of our expanded National Executive Council meeting held on Monday, May 8, 2023, we hereby direct our members in Federal Health Institutions across the nation to withdraw their services indefinitely starting from 00:00 hours on Thursday, May 25, 2023.” He further explained that since the government has failed to address these demands, the JOHESU National Executive Council has mandated an indefinite strike action as of midnight on May 25, 2023.
However, Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, was contacted for comment but requested a text message to be sent regarding the matter. As of the time of reporting, he had not responded to the text message.