After series of negotiations lasting several months, the Federal Government has acceded to demands of the Joint Health Sector Unions & Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, JOHESU/AHPA, for better remuneration and conditions of service.

Top among the demands is the skipping of CONHESS 10, restoration of consultancy status, abolition of the deputy chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, and promotion of officers from CONHESS 14 to 15 as Directors, among others.

In a statement, JOHESU/AHPA, umbrella body for nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, radiologists, among others, issued a 30-day ultimatum for government to implement the demands so as to avert industrial unrest.

Government had reached an agreement with the workers after a meeting on June 5. The agreement was confirmed in a statement by heads of the joint unions.

According to the communiqué, “JOHESU/AHPA expressed satisfaction over the circular number MH/PM/138/VoI.111/79 of May 16, 2014 released by government formally restoring consultancy status to other healthcare professionals and approving the payment of specialist allowance to deserving officers.

“In furtherance to this, JOHESU/AHPA has therefore directed that all members who are due and satisfy the existing criteria, as upheld by the court judgment for consultancy position apply for the payment of the allowance with its accrued arrears with effect from January 1, 2010 in line with the CONHESS circular reference SWC/S/04/S.410/VoI.II/349 dated December 8, 2009.”

By Chioma Obinna, Gabriel Olawale & Bosede Oyelohunnu

Vanguard