Members of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), working in public hospitals under the Ondo State government, have withdrawn their services to join nationwide strike directed by the National body of JOHESU.
Members of NUAHP comprises of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Optometrists, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Health Information Managers/Officers, Radiographers and some critical health workers.
The members took the decision to join the strike at the Congress of the union held today, 30th of May, 2023 at the Ondo State Senior Staff Club in Akure.
Federal health workers had last week commenced the industrial action.
Briefing newsmen after the congress, the Ondo State Chairman of NUAHP, Prince Adeyinka Adedire said the strike which is to press home some demands by the union, would begin immediately in Ondo State.
Adedire opined that “Consequently, arising from the Congress of the union held today, 30th of May, 2023 at the Ondo State Senior Staff Club, members frowned at the incendiary and oppressive stillness of the government to the union’s plight and consequently, with one accord, resolved to withdraw our services forthwith across all Primary, Secondary and Tertiary health facilities in Ondo State as directed by the National.
“The withdrawal of services is hereby declared to commence immediately, effectively today, Tuesday, 30th of May, 2023 at 2:22pm in accordance with the directive of National JOHESU.
“It is notably pragmatic for us as members of Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Ondo State Council, to join other states of the federation like Lagos and Oyo in the National strike directed by National JOHESU.
“Other states where the strike was not embarked upon by workers in the state employ already have the new hazard allowances approved for them, are enjoying almost 100% of Consolidated Health Salary Structure(CONHESS) such government also stole a march on the unions by entering into different agreements with to forestall the strike.
“These steps taking by progressive, responsive and Labour friendly government representatives to mitigate health workers hardship and enshrine improved quality healthcare services are presently being approved by the different state governors concerned and workers are already in jubilations. This was achieved in some states without strike action due to the proactive dispositions of government representatives.
“Regrettably, in Ondo State, no single intervention has been deployed by government representatives involved as they never availed themselves of any opportunity for resolution or dialogue after the notice of dispute declaration was submitted by the union as directed by the National body.
To set the records straight, below are the union’s challenges and requests;
1. Implementation of New Hazard allowances for state health workers as done for their colleagues in federal institutions and most states in the South-West. Risk and hazards are the same in both Federal and State hospitals.
2. Promotion of deserving health workers(Directors) from level 16 to level 17 as done for their colleagues in federal health institutions.
3. Creation of the department of medical laboratory Services at the State Ministry of Health as done in Ondo State HMB, UNIMEDTH, and Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
4. Full implementation of CONHESS salary structure in the state. Health workers are earning 75% despite economic realities and inflations. And particularly now, in the face of removal of fuel subsidy.
5. Domestication of the Pharmacy Consultant Cadre in the state.
6. Upward review of call and shift allowances for health workers,” Adedire said.
