In a move that highlights their grievances with the government, Nigerian health workers have commenced an indefinite strike across the country. The Joint Health Sector Unions/Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU/AHPA), a coalition representing various unions, including 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), has organized the industrial action due to the failure of the federal government to address their demands, primarily the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The announcement came during a gathering in Abuja, where Dr. I Ogbonna Chimela, the Vice Chairman of JOHESU, voiced the frustration of the striking workers. Dr. Chimela cited the Federal Ministry of Health’s indifferent and biased attitude towards JOHESU members as a key reason behind their decision to go on strike. He further emphasized that the expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on May 8, 2023, resulted in the resolution to commence the indefinite strike from the early hours of May 25, 2023.
This recent strike adds to the growing concern of brain drain within the Nigerian healthcare sector. The ongoing strikes by health workers have contributed to the alarming ratio of one doctor serving over 10,000 Nigerians, placing the country among the lowest in the world in terms of healthcare workforce availability.
The grievances of the health workers extend beyond salary adjustments. They also seek the government’s attention to various other demands related to the welfare and functioning of the healthcare system. While the salary structure remains a crucial issue, it is important to note that the strike reflects a broader call for improved working conditions and better support for healthcare professionals.
The impact of the strike is expected to be significant, as it affects federal health institutions nationwide. Patients relying on these institutions may experience disruptions in services, resulting in delayed medical treatments and an additional burden on an already strained healthcare system. The indefinite duration of the strike also adds uncertainty regarding the timeline for a potential resolution.
It is now incumbent upon the federal government to swiftly engage in dialogue with JOHESU/AHPA and address their demands. Finding a mutually beneficial solution is crucial for ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of the healthcare system, as well as safeguarding the well-being of the Nigerian population.