Nurses in Ondo State, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), have commenced an indefinite strike over the government’s neglect of their welfare.
The state chairman of NANNM, Felix Orobode, disclosed this on Thursday, stating that nurses in the state had endured for a long time and refrained from striking due to the nature of their training and understanding.
However, he lamented that despite the critical role nurses play in the state’s healthcare system, the government had failed to address their needs and concerns.
Orobode, who described the state government’s response to nurses’ welfare issues as insensitive, accused the government of handling their concerns with levity, despite nurses’ significant contributions to healthcare delivery.
He said, “It is important to let the public know what Ondo State nurses have been enduring, especially regarding our welfare.
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“Nurses and midwives are the most available healthcare professionals across the state’s 18 local government areas. In many of our facilities, nurses take on multiple roles,acting as doctors, pharmacists, health information officers, and even security personnel, particularly in general hospitals and health centers.
“Despite the ongoing brain drain caused by the ‘Japa’ syndrome, we have remained committed to reducing morbidity and mortality in the state. However, the government has refused to properly reward our sacrifices,” he said.
According to him, the state government had failed to honor agreements reached with the association on salary adjustments and welfare improvements.
He added that despite the approval of the N73,000 minimum wage, the salary adjustment for nurses under the CONHESS structure was riddled with irregularities, prompting the association to reject its implementation.
He noted that while other healthcare professionals benefited from salary adjustments in July 2024, nurses were left out, leading to further frustration and agitation.
“After several rounds of negotiation, we agreed on a new salary structure, with implementation set for January 2025.
“To our dismay, however, the January 2025 salaries were paid using the old salary table, completely disregarding our agreement,” he said.
“After reviewing our discussions with the government, we concluded that we have been taken for granted.
“We, therefore, direct all nurses and midwives under Ondo State’s employment to withdraw their services indefinitely from 12 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, until our demands are fully met.”