Poor enumeration: Health workers embark on strike action in Kaduna

Members of three health bodies in Kaduna State—the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN)—have commenced an indefinite strike to press for their unmet demands from the state government.

This was detailed in a joint press statement issued by the three chairmen: Comrade Ishaka Yakubu (NANNM), Mansur S. Halidu (AHAPN), and Comrade Jesse David (AMLSN), which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday.

The statement declared, “We wish to inform the general public that we have been left with no other option but to embark on an indefinite strike, following the continued failure of the State Government to meet our longstanding demands.”

The statement continues, “Our demands, which have been communicated to the appropriate authorities repeatedly, remain as follows: a. 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, and b. Implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance for health workers in the State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board.

Other demands include the implementation of the 2019 CONHESS for health workers in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, as well as payment of arrears for newly recruited health workers employed in 2023.

Additionally, the three health bodies called for the immediate release of all outstanding promotions for their members, including the prompt implementation of these promotions and the payment of all accompanying arrears.

“It is worthy of note that despite suspending our warning strike action two months ago in good faith, our members are yet to receive any tangible benefits arising from the strike,” the statement averred.

“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 fulfil 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 depend on a well-compensated and motivated workforce.

“We sincerely apologise to the public for any inconvenience this strike may cause. However, the failure of the authorities to honour our agreements has left us with no other option,” the statement noted.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• No govt subsidy for 2025 Hajj — NAHCON

• Missing Speed Darlington in Police custody — Deji Adeyanju

• National honours: Reps reject Tinubu’s conferment of CFR on Speaker Abbas, demand GCON 

• Senate summons Umahi over ‘abandoned’ old Oyo-Ogbomosho road

• ‘China prepared to lend more’, FG not discussing debt forgiveness with Beijing — Minister

• Oil theft: 8,000 illegal refineries, 5,800 connections destroyed since April — NNPCL