The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) recently issued a strong 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government regarding unresolved welfare issues affecting its members. Should these matters remain unaddressed, the unions have indicated plans to resume a suspended strike on October 25, 2024. This ultimatum stems from dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of various health sector grievances, prompting JOHESU to clearly communicate its stance through a memo addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.
JOHESU comprises several major organizations, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and others representing healthcare professionals. The memo, signed by notable leaders of the unions, reinforces the ongoing nature of the issues, many of which were previously catalysts for a strike that occurred from May 19 to June 6, 2023, which was temporarily halted after Presidential intervention. However, the promises made during that period have yet to materialize, further fueling the unions’ discontent.
Among the key issues outlined in the memo are several demands linked to salary structure adjustments. The unions insist on the review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure to reflect comparable adjustments made to the medical salary structure, dating back to 2014. additional demands include the establishment of a consultant cadre specifically for pharmacists in Federal Health Institutions, an extension of retirement age for health workers, the payment of outstanding arrears, and tax waivers on allowances for healthcare staff. The unions have expressed frustration over what they perceive as neglect from the federal government.
As part of their demands, JOHESU has called for immediate implementation and payment related to various aspects of healthcare wages and benefits. These include the adjustment and back payment of the CONHESS review arrears and overdue salaries for health workers in regulatory agencies. They also demand the reinstatement of funding for the Environmental Health Regulatory Council and the reconstitution of boards governing federal health institutions, highlighting the urgent need for a systematic approach to address these longstanding issues.
The memo indicates that a unanimous resolution by JOHESU’s Expanded National Executive Council, reached during a meeting held on October 2, 2024, led to this ultimatum under the provisions of Nigerian labor laws. The unions assert that their patience and cooperation have been taken for granted, and they have resorted to issuing this ultimatum as a last resort. The notices acknowledge JOHESU’s historical maturity and patriotism in negotiations, but convey a firm stand regarding their rightful demands.
In conclusion, the unions underline that failure by the government to respond within the stipulated timeframe will lead to a seven-day warning strike, after which an indefinite strike might follow if necessary action is not taken. This situation encapsulates the ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s health sector and underscores the critical need for resolutions to avoid a disruption impacting healthcare delivery in the country. The ultimatum serves not only as a warning but also as a call to action for the government to recognize and prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers in Nigeria.
