By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Nigerian Nurses And Midwives (NANNM), Association of Hospital And Administrative Pharmacists (AHAPN), Kaduna State Ministry of Health, And Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) have threatened to go on an indefinite strike beginning from Wednesday, 2nd October 2024.
The threat was issued in a joint press statement signed on Tuesday by Comrade Nr. Ishaku Yakubu Chairman NANNM, Pharm. Mansur Halidu, Chairman AHAPN SMOH, And Comrade Jesse David, Chairman AMLSN SMOH, issued to newsmen in Kaduna.
The health workers explained that the strike action follows the continued failure of the State Government to meet up with their longstanding demands.
” Our demands, which have been communicated to the appropriate authorities repeatedly, remain as follows; Implementation of the 30% balance of the 2009 CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Structure) for health workers in the State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board.
” Implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance for health workers in the State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board.
” Implementation of the 2019 CONHESS for Health workers in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and Payment of arrears for Newly recruited Health workers employed in 2023.
The Forums also demand the immediate release of all outstanding promotions for their members, including the prompt implementation of these promotions and the payment of all accompanying arrears.
According to them, it is worthy of note that despite suspending their warning strike action two months ago in good faith, their members are yet to receive any tangible benefits arising from the strike, adding this lack of commitment demonstrates a clear disregard for the welfare of health workers and the health sector at large.
” We urge the government and relevant stakeholders to act promptly and fulfill their promises. This strike action, though regrettable, is necessary to ensure that the rights and welfare of health workers are respected and upheld.
“The health and well-being of the good people of Kaduna State depends on a well-compensated and motivated workforce.
” We sincerely apologize to the public for any inconvenience this strike may cause, stressing the failure of the authorities to honor our agreements has left us with no other option.” They concluded.
