The striking workers said the industrial action was as a result of the failure of the federal government to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other demands.
The coalition of Nigerian health workers under the platforms of Joint Health Sector Unions/Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) on Thursday declared an indefinite strike.
The striking workers said the industrial action was as a result of the failure of the federal government to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other demands.
The unions include the Medical and Health Workers' Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions (NASU) comprise JOHESU/AHPA.
According to Daily Trust, declaring the indefinite strike in Abuja, the Vice Chairman of JOHESU, Dr. I Ogbonna Chimela, said, “Consequent upon the nonchalant, bias and lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Ministry of Health against JOHESU members and the resolution of the expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the unions held on Monday 8th, May 2023, our members in Federal Health Institutions nationwide are hereby directed to withdraw their services indefinitely commencing from 00.00 hour on Thursday 25th May 2023.”
Incessant strikes by health workers is one of the reasons for the brain drain that the country is currently facing, making the country among the lowest in the world with one doctor serving over 10,000 Nigerians.