The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Allied Healthcare Professionals Association (AHPA) have issued a fresh warning to the federal government, threatening an indefinite strike if their demands, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 29, 2024, are not implemented within the stipulated timelines of the budget cycle.
In a communiqué released over the weekend, signed by JOHESU Chairman Ado Kabiru and Secretary Martins Egbanubi, the unions emphasized that any further delays could lead to significant industrial unrest in the nation’s healthcare sector.
The unions convened with representatives of the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment and Health and Social Welfare on December 20, 2024, in a bid to avert the looming strike. JOHESU had previously suspended a seven-day warning strike on October 31, 2024, but warned that failure to meet their demands would result in escalation.
JOHESU identified the persistent delay in addressing the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), an issue unresolved for over a decade, as a major point of contention.
“The Minister of Labour and Employment must ensure fresh mechanisms are put in place at the highest level to resolve the challenges with CONHESS adjustment within the next few weeks,” the communiqué stated. “This remains the only way to guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector.”
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The unions commended the federal government for issuing circulars backing the establishment of a Consultant Pharmacist Cadre but criticized the slow compliance rate, with only 15% of federal health institutions implementing the directive.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare must invoke sanctions against Chief Medical Directors who fail to fully implement the Consultant Pharmacists Cadre Circular by March 31, 2025, as outlined in the October 29, 2024, MoU,” JOHESU demanded.
Other demands are:
– Retirement Age Review: JOHESU called on the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to advocate for raising the retirement age to 65 for health workers and 70 for consultants through the Federal Executive Council.
– Outstanding Salaries: While acknowledging the payment of nine months’ outstanding salaries to members, the unions urged the government to address salaries owed to the Environmental Health Regulatory Council of Nigeria.
– Arrears and Allowances: JOHESU insisted that arrears for the CONHESS review, provided for in the 2024 budget, must be settled by December 31, 2024. They also demanded the activation of outstanding COVID-19 hazard allowances for affected health workers.
– Governance in Health Institutions: The unions stressed the need to reconstitute the Boards of Management for the 73 Federal Health Institutions and inaugurate governing councils for professional regulatory agencies to ensure accountability.
JOHESU also urged the Federal Ministry of Health to fully review its Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures, asserting that they should align with existing laws.
“Officials must engage relevant professional bodies and trade unions to develop a lawful document for the DRF,” the communiqué noted.
The unions requested that the next conciliation meeting with the federal government be held in the first week of February 2025.
“JOHESU urges its members to remain calm and await further directives regarding potential industrial action,” the communiqué concluded.
The unions have made it clear that only decisive government action can prevent an indefinite strike, which would disrupt Nigeria’s healthcare sector at a critical time.