Oyo health workers issue fresh 21-day ultimatum to govt

Health workers in Oyo State, under the auspices of Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), on Monday issued a fresh 21-day ultimatum after resuming their duty posts following the expiration of a seven-day warning strike.

The union gave the state government 21 days to respond positively to its demands after which it could direct its members in the health sector and hospitals to embark on an indefinite strike.

The NUAHP, comprises medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, dental technologists, dental therapists, social workers, radiographers, nutritionists and dietitians, hospital and administrative pharmacists, had last Monday declared a seven-day warning strike over a 10-point demand from the state government.

Among others, the NUAHP had declared the strike requesting government’s prompt attention on implementation of the new national hazard allowance for health professionals, adjustment of CONHESS table for its members in the service of the Oyo State government, skipping of CONHESS 10 on CONHESS salary table as applicable to Grade Level 11.

Chairman, NUAHP, Oyo State, Mr Olanrewaju Ajani, who affirmed the end of the strike, said the expanded executive council of the union considered its being informed of some positive steps being taken by the state government to address its demands.

Ajani also acknowledged the assurances of the management of the state ministry of health and state hospital management board that their cases were being handled by the government.

He said: “Having heard some positive steps taken by the Government to address our demands and the usual love for the masses especially the civil servants by the Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the expanded executive committee hereby directs all our members to resume duty in all our health facilities across the State from Monday 11th March, 2024.

“We hereby give the government of the day three weeks(i.e. 21 days) to start responding positively to all our demands after which we can no more guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector and all our hospitals as our members will embark on an indefinite strike.”

Speaking further, Ajani condemned some head of departments and medical directors/medical officers for trying to victimize, force, coerce its members to work, while the strike lasted.

He added: “It should be noted that Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals is a registered Union in the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment , an affiliate of Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“Therefore, no co-employee or employer has the right to victimize or intimidate any member for participating in industrial action called by the Union after following due process prescribed by the law.

“It would be recalled that members of AMDO have gone on strike several times in the last 4years without any intimidation from any quarters until their demands were met. It will be unfair, unjust and wicked for any Head of Hospital to try witch hunting our members for standing up for our rights after patiently waiting for years without having any answer to our demands.”