The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency address the grouse of health workers operating under the auspices of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU).

 

The Congress observed that the crisis in the health sector has lasted for too long because some individuals are benefiting from the strike, which has resulted in loss of lives of thousands of Nigerians who do not have access to proper medical care.

 

In a release issued by its President, Bobboi  Kaigama and Secretary, Musa Lawal, TUC urged the federal government to implement the court judgments and honour agreements voluntarily entered into with JOHESU to avoid a repeat of the unfortunate incident.

 

The Congress implored stakeholders in the sector to be committed and avoid recurrence of impasses such as the one at hand, urging them to work collectively towards providing better healthcare services for Nigerians.

 

The crisis in the sector is well over four years now, which has led to the setting up of a committee headed by the Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim by President Goodluck Jonathan to look into the grievances of JOHESU members. 

 

 

JOHESU comprises Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria; National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives; Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions; Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professions and Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions.

 

The issues under contention are include the release of circular on adjustment of salary as done for NMA members since January, 2014 and immediate payment of at least two months arrears while the remaining are paid with 2015 budget, non promotion of members from salary CONHESS 14 -15 as Directors having stayed for 4 – 15 years on the same salary level without promotion.

 

Others are immediate release of the circular on extension of retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to be back-dated to 10th May, 2012 or February, 2014 when the issue was presented to National Council on establishment.

 

“The Congress is of the opinion that the major reason why the crisis has lasted this long and even at a time when thousands of lives are dying daily due to lack of proper medical care is because some people somewhere are benefiting.  This is nothing to rejoice about.  We shun the idea of treating some people in the Sector as Lords and others as Servants.  What is good for the goose is also good to the gander.

 

“The incessant strikes no doubt have affected work in the affected Hospitals.  While we implore Sector operators to be committed at avoiding recurrence of impasses such as the one at hand, we also want them to know that we all have flesh and blood and any one can fall ill, including government officials, their family members and even the health workers themselves,” the statement added.

 

It emphasised that all hands must be on deck to ensure that a sector as sensitive as the health sector should not be toyed with.