The Federal Ministry of Health has responded swiftly to the strike action undertaken by members of JOHESU in a letter dated 18th of April 2018 with Ref No. DHS/166/T2/192 to all CMDs/MDs, Registras, CEOs, Heads of parastatals, Agencies and Institutions of the Federal Ministry of Health tittled: "RE; CURRENT STRIKE BY THE JOINT HEALTH SECTOR UNIONS (JOHESU)" and signed by Dr O.j. Amedu, mni, Head Department of Hospital Services for the Honourable Minister.

The letter read:

 

I am directed to refer to the current strike embarked on by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) which commenced at midnight of 17th April. 2018 and to request that the following actions be taken to ensure provision of unhindered services: 

 

i. Ensure that hospital facilities and all property and equipment therein are properly secured. 

 

ii. Ensure that the striking workers handover all keys and any other property of Government in their care. 

 

iii. Ensure the safety of all patients and all members of staff who are prepared to work, so that they can go about their legitimate duties unhindered, without harassment and fear. 

 

iv. Ensure an attendance register is opened for all staff in their various departments, divisions and units 

 

v. Enforce the 'No Work, No Pay law of the Federal Government. 

 

2. You are obliged to protect the lives of the numerous patients in your facility by invoking the provision of Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act. Cap 18, Law of the Federation of Nigeria's (LFN), 2014 and the International Law Organisation's (ILO) principle concerning employer's right during strike in essential services. 

 

3. In doing so, you are further directed to advertise for and engage locum staff of all grades. to ensure that all essential medical and technical services (e.g gas, power, water, nursing etc.) in your various institutions are not interrupted and continue to function in order to protect the lives of the patients and citizens of our dear country. 

 

4. While admonishing you to adhere strictly to the directives above, please accept the warm regards and best wishes of the Honourable Minister.