The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals has begun mobilizing its members across the country. They plan to embark on a seven-day warning strike starting at midnight on October 25, 2024.
Martin Egbanubi, the National Secretary of JOHESU, disclosed this on Thursday, according to Punch. JOHESU comprises several unions. These include the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals. The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, and Research Institutions also participates, along with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
On October 9, 2024, JOHESU notified the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate. They indicated that they would resume their suspended strike on October 25 if their demands were not met. The unions had previously suspended their strike, which lasted from May 19 to June 6, 2023, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
Key demands from JOHESU
The union has gone on strike a number of times without a commensurate reaction from government. demands include several critical issues. First, they want adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure. They seek the same adjustments made to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure since January 2, 2014.
Additionally, they demand the implementation of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in Federal Health Institutions. They also want the retirement age for health workers raised from 60 to 65 years. For consultants, the retirement age should increase to 70 years. Furthermore, they request payment for JOHESU members in professional regulatory councils.
Other demands include settling arrears of CONHESS reviews, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and immediate payment of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances for omitted health workers. They also seek to suspend the planned establishment and activities of the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency and withdraw the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures.
Preparing for the health sector strike
In a conversation with our correspondent, Egbanubi stated, “We have started mobilizing our members across the country. We have put them on alert, and we have told them to embark on the strike by midnight of October 25, 2024.”
He added, “We’ve not heard from the government officially. There has not been any consolation to apprehend the discourse. So, we will embark on the strike.”
JOHESU’s previous strike
The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) last went on strike from May 19 to June 6, 2023. This action significantly impacted the health sector across Nigeria. Many healthcare services were disrupted during this period. Patients faced delays in care and treatment. Hospitals operated with limited staff, providing only emergency services. Routine and elective procedures were postponed.
The strike increased pressure on health facilities. Many patients struggled to access necessary medical attention. This situation caused widespread frustration and concern among the public. The absence of healthcare workers made communities vulnerable. Those relying on public health services faced the greatest challenges.
In response to the strike, the Nigerian government intervened. President Bola Tinubu led efforts to address the unions’ concerns. The government initiated negotiations aimed at meeting some of the unions’ demands. They recognized the urgency of the situation. Efforts were made to restore normalcy in healthcare delivery. After discussions, JOHESU agreed to suspend the strike. They hoped the government would fulfill its commitments.
Lingering issues in the Health Sector
Despite the temporary resolution, many underlying issues remained unresolved. The unions expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s pace in addressing their demands. Key issues included salary adjustments and improvements in working conditions. The frustration of healthcare workers grew over time. Unmet expectations lingered, causing unrest within the unions.
Now, JOHESU has announced another warning strike. This decision highlights the ongoing challenges within the health sector. The need for effective dialogue between the government and health workers is more critical than ever. Without resolution, the health sector will continue to face disruptions. The upcoming strike will further test the resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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