Allied health workers suspend strike

Obisesan disclosed that after series of meetings held with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), the NEC observed that there were some degrees of progress over some demands, especially the ones within the ministry.

He said other issues which agreement/consensus was not reached had been referred to the relevant agencies for further negotiations and discussions.

“This include: Revamping the infrastructure in the tertiary Health Institutions, and Professional autonomy, where the FMOH agreed to implement all court judgment without delay.

“Others are: Enhanced entry point for Medical Laboratory Scientists and Radiographers, the FMOH agreed to verify this and correct it for deserving officers without extortion.

“On the issue of backlog of promotion arrears and CONHESS 10 skipping, the meeting encouraged hospitals affected to implement payment within the 2017 budget timeline.

“Residency training and sabbatical leave for other health professionals, as contained in the Public Service Rule (PSR) were also approved,” he said.

The secretary said that the NEC was not happy that no official circular was issued concerning the myriad of demands of the union other than the signed MoU.

He said that the NEC decided to give the minister for health the benefit of doubt regarding the ongoing processes aimed at resolving the crisis, which include high powered committee meetings at the office of the secretary to the government of the federation.

“Conclusively, the NEC decided to suspend the strike for four weeks to allow the FMOH to invite the union and initiate discussions on issues that were not concluded

“If nothing tangible is done within four weeks, the union shall resume the suspended strike without further notice

“It is our sincere hope that the FMOH will be sincere to her words and implement immediately, areas of consensus within her purview to prevent further disruption of service.

“However, members are to resume work after their congress and remain calm for further instructions, as no stone will be left unturned to actualize our demands.

“We use this opportunity to appreciate all our members nationwide for remaining resolute and focused during the strike action, despite all odds,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that union directed its members nationwide to commence an indefinite strike action on Monday, March 6 due to the inability of government to address their demands.

NUAHP is an amalgamation of health workers including, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dietitians, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists and radiographers.

Others include dental therapists, medical physicists, health information officers, clinical psychologists and medical social workers.