Wednesday, December 11, 2024 -The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State has commenced a three-day warning strike over non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS.
The unions include the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals,
NUAHP, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, the Medical
and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, and the Joint Health Sector Unions,
JOHESU.
Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, in an interview with NAN on
Wednesday, insisted that the strike would hold following the expiration of an
ultimatum issued by the unions.
Odumosu disclosed that a meeting of the union leaders with officials of
the state government on Dec. 9 also ended in an impasse.
“The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for the
implementation of 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, in spite of
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 December 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.
Odumosu regretted that the government appeared ‘indifferent’ to
addressing their legitimate demands in spite of the critical roles played by
members of the unions in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to Lagos
residents.
“The handling of this matter has left us with no other choice but to
resort to this warning strike, spanning from December 11 to December 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.
Similarly, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary, NUAHP, decried the
delayed implementation of the 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment, especially after
the government approved a 35 per cent CONMESS adjustment for doctors in October
2024.
NAN reports that the strike will affect all state-owned health
facilities – Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general
hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).
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