Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have launched a seven-day warning strike, starting at midnight on Friday. This action follows a 15-day notice given to the Federal Government, expressing ongoing concerns about several unresolved issues impacting their members nationwide.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Kabiru Minjibir, the national chairman of JOHESU, outlined the union’s demands. They are seeking substantial adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, similar to the changes made to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure back on January 2, 2014.
In addition, JOHESU is advocating for the introduction of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in Federal Health Institutions, as well as a revision of the retirement age: from 60 to 65 years for health workers and from 60 to 70 years for consultants.
Other demands include the payment of arrears related to the CONHESS review, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the immediate disbursement of COVID-19 hazard allowances that were missed by some health workers.
JOHESU is also calling for an immediate halt to the planned establishment of the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency and the retraction of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures.
Minjibir stressed the importance of these demands, highlighting their essential role in ensuring the welfare and efficiency of health workers throughout the country. He noted that this strike aims to urge the government to promptly address these longstanding issues.
The union has instructed all members across various federal health institutions to strictly comply with the strike directive, emphasizing the seriousness of their concerns.
