Healthcare services in Lagos State have been disrupted as a coalition of health sector unions began a three-day warning strike on Wednesday. The strike, which involves unions such as the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, is a response to the state government’s failure to implement adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The coalition of unions is comprised of several prominent healthcare organizations, including the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).According to Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the strike will go ahead as planned, following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions.
Odumosu expressed disappointment that a meeting with state government officials on December 9 ended in an impasse.Odumosu lamented that the government appears “indifferent” to addressing their legitimate demands, despite the critical roles played by members of the unions in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to Lagos residents.
“The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for implementing our demands, and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment.“We reported the feedback to the Congress, which was ongoing at our secretariat, and it unanimously voted ‘No,’ insisting on proceeding with the strike,” he said.
He complained that the matter had lingered for long, despite numerous attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.“However, it has become clear that the government does not accord the issue the seriousness it deserves. “Engagement on Dec. 2 with the Ministry of Establishments and Training further reinforced our concerns as the meeting failed to provide clarity on the computation method for the adjustment.
“This is particularly concerning given that Lagos State does not operate the full CONHESS structure, nor did it yield a definite timeline for payment. “This is especially disheartening as adjustments have already been implemented for doctors since October 2024. “This approach, which prioritises some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state,” he said.
The strike is expected to last for three days, leaving patients and residents in Lagos to bear the brunt of the disruption. The healthcare unions are seeking adjustments to the CONHESS, which they claim has been overlooked since 2014. “The handling of this matter has left us with no other choice but to resort to this warning strike, spanning from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13.
“It is aimed at pressing home our demands for the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in Lagos state,” he said.Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), has expressed disappointment over the delayed implementation of the 25% Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment. This comes after the government approved a 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment for doctors in October 2024.
The strike, which affects all state-owned health facilities in Lagos, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs), is a result of the government’s failure to implement the CONHESS adjustment. The facilities affected provide essential healthcare services to the residents of Lagos.
The unions involved in the strike comprise various healthcare professionals, including:- Nurses and Midwives: Members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Allied Health Professionals: Members of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, and Dieticians: Members of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN)-, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Optometrists, and Radiographers: Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU)-, Dental Therapists, Medical Physicists, and Health Information Managers: Other healthcare professionals. The strike is expected to last for three days, and its impact will be felt across the state’s healthcare system.
Source: https://vanguardngr.com
