Posted on: Fri 04-12-2015

The Federal Government has expressed her commitment to revisit the issues relating to the welfare of Nigerian Health Care workers registered under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

The Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, gave this assurance in Abuja while receiving members of the Joint Health Sector Unions, who were on a courtesy visit to the Ministry, Thursday 4/12/15.

While speaking, Professor Adewole appealed to the Union to be patient with the new management in the Ministry. He said he was going to set up a Committee comprising of key staff of the Ministry and the Union leaders for a review of all the agreement earlier reached.

The Minister then advised members of the Union to adopt the spirit of give and take. The spirit of all or none, the Minister cautioned could kill any health institution.

Earlier, the Minister of State, Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, described the visit as the first constructive step towards industrial harmony and working together as a team in the sector.

He maintained that considering the federal government’s commitment to deliver quality, affordable and accessible health care to the masses and JOHESU’S promise to support the new Administration, the use of strike as a weapon in the health system should not be reckless because of its consequences.

Dr. Ehanire therefore appealed for a monumental mind shift where quality health care delivery service should be paramount to all health care givers. He also appealed for maturity, selflessness and compassion, noting that patients are supreme and as such, every patient’s right must be emphasised.’ In your struggle for your share, don’t trample upon patient’s rights and dignity’, the Minister warned.

In her remark, the Permanent Secretary advised the Union to mellow down on their request because of the present economic situation in the country. She also pledged to cooperate with the Union in order to move the health sector to greater heights.

Also briefing earlier, the National Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Union, Comrade Biobelemoye Joy Josiah enumerated the challenges facing the Union to include: Non- appointment of other health professional as consultants and payment of specialist allowance; No residency programmes for other health professionals in Nigeria; Payment of the arrears of skipping of CONHESS 10; lopsided composition of the board of management; Appointment of chairman Medical Advisory committee (C-MAC), amongst others.

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