Health Workers
The Federal Government and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) will reconvene today in an effort to find a resolution to the ongoing indefinite strike.
PulseNets reports that Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, the National Vice-chairman of JOHESU, revealed this in an interview.
Last Thursday, the unions had met with the government, but the meeting ended without a breakthrough.
In response to their demands, members of JOHESU commenced an indefinite strike last Thursday.
The health workers are calling for immediate approval and implementation of the Technical Committee report on Consolidated Health Salary Structure Adjustment by the Federal Government.
They also demand prompt payment of the omitted and shortfall amounts in COVID-19 hazard/inducement allowances for affected health workers in federal health institutions. Additionally, they seek recognition and proper compensation for support health workers in hospital facilities under the new hazard allowance scheme.
Other demands include the payment of peculiar allowances to health workers in JOHESU/AHPA, implementation of the pharmacist consultant cadre, unconditional payment of withheld salaries, and swift execution of the increase in retirement age for consultants in the health professions.
In an interview with The Punch, Dr. Ogbonna stated, “We will be meeting with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment today (Thursday) at 12 pm. The permanent secretary of the ministry will preside over the meeting in the absence of the minister. Our executive members and the Federal Ministry of Health will be present to present our concerns. The Ministry of Labour is acting as the conciliator.”
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JOHESU serves as the umbrella body for health workers’ unions and associations, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, the Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals.
