From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) has cautioned the Federal Government to immediately address its demands for health workers or face consequences.
This was stated in a statement issued Tuesday by JOHESU National Chairman, Biobelemoye Josiah.
The umbrella body for health unions had on September 2 issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to act on its demands.
However, when the ultimatum expired on September 17, JOHESU, at the end of an Expanded National Executive Council (NEC), gave another 15-day ultimatum to the federal government.
“It is pertinent to draw the attention of the federal government to our fresh fifteen(15) days strike notice, which is billed to expire in the next few days and for it to act to avoid shutdown of hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
“We wish also to inform the general public that our NEC noted the appeal from President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to show understanding with his administration and the President’s pledge to pay any debt owed health workers.
“We would also wish to note some of the resolutions reached at the end of our meeting, to show that we are not strike mongers, but just for the federal government to act according to agreements reached.
“We have asked the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure speedy circularisation of all establishment and welfare matters as agreed during negotiation meetings.
“We Equally asked the Federal Government to ensure that the new data for the computation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for JOHESU members be completed and submitted to the High Level Body (HLB) of the FG not later than Wednesday, 22nd September, 2021 as agreed.
“We also urged the Federal Government to ensure that the High Level Body” (HLB) complete and submit the computation of the adjusted CONHESS for inclusion in the 2022 budget on or before the 30th of September, 2021 submission window.
“We charged the Federal Government to reciprocate the patriotic humanitarian gesture of JOHESU in the interest of the larger Nigerian masses to expeditiously resolve all the demands within the fifteen days window.
“We unanimously adopted a resolution to step down the first notice of strike action which expired mid-night 17th September, 2021 and issued a fresh notice of fifteen (15) days.
“While we push for better welfare and conditions of service for our members, we urge the federal government to reflect the promises of Mr President in the activities relating to our demands to ensure continuous industrial harmony in the health sector.”