Health sector crisis deepens as JOHESU embarks on 7-day warning strike
Nigeria’s healthcare system faces another challenge as the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) begins a 7-day warning strike, effective midnight today.
This move follows the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
According to JOHESU National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, the strike is a response to the government’s inaction on the union’s pressing demands. Key among these are the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, 25% review of arrears from June to December 2023, upward review of retirement age for health workers, tax waivers on healthcare workers’ allowances, and payment of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowance.
The strike will impact all federal health institutions nationwide, involving major unions such as the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals. Minjibir urged the public to understand the union’s stance, emphasizing that the strike aims to improve Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.
The Federal Government’s failure to address JOHESU’s concerns has led to this industrial action, which may exacerbate the country’s healthcare challenges. With services likely to be disrupted, patients receiving treatment in affected health institutions will bear the brunt.
As the strike begins, Nigerians anxiously await a resolution between JOHESU and the Federal Government, hoping to mitigate the impact on the already strained healthcare system.
