Health workers at UCH Ibadan down tools indefinitely as resident doctors’ strike hits day 17
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday, as the resident doctors’ strike entered its 17th day.
All UCH gates, except the main entrance, were closed and manned by some JOHESU members.
JOHESU comprises the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, and the Senior Staff Association of Teaching Hospitals Research and Academic Institutions (SSAUTHRAI).
Other members of JOHESU are the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and the Non-Academic Staff of Universities and Research Institutions.
The unions, under the umbrella of JOHESU, are demanding an upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS), as done for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) since 2014.
Declaring the strike, UCH JOHESU chairman, Oladayo Olabampe, said the indefinite strike was as directed by its national body, following the federal government’s failure to address its demand.
“There was an agreement when the two salary scales (CONMESS and CONHESS) were established that the two should be adjusted.
“CONMESS has been adjusted, but that of CONHESS remains the same since 2014; the national said there is no going back this time till the demand is met, and we stand fully with them.
“All we want is that the federal government should attend to this demand as it was done for CONMESS,” he said.
Mr Olabampe urged members to ensure full compliance with the directive and avoid being misled by any threat.
“Don’t let the no-work-no-pay threat give you headaches. Just obey; the UCH management is not giving us problems because they are aware that it is a national issue.
“Let all JOHESU members go home straight immediately after this congress for the sake of humanity.
“The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will be ready to attend to any member who may need medical attention during the strike.
“Also, there will be a monitoring team for the strike, which consists of the union chairmen and secretaries; members should be giving us genuine information to work with,” he said.
Resident doctors have been on strike since November 1 over demands for a 200 per cent increase in the CONMESS and the full implementation of new allowances proposed since 2022, among others.
The dual strikes are expected to have a heavy toll on patients and the hospital, as patients will not be admitted and surgeries will not be performed.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Sport
NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over 2026 FIFA World Cup failure
The Eagles were edged out of the qualifiers after a 1-1 draw in extra time, followed by a 4-3 penalty loss to DR Congo on Sunday.
Faith
Alleged Christian Genocide: Tinubu lying, protecting his own interests, U.S. lawmaker alleges
Mr Moore said Mr Tinubu’s denial was to “protect his interests”. He added that Nigeria’s political leaders were “complicit” in the killing of Christians.
NationWide
Nigerian libraries losing identity as books promote Western culture, NLA laments
Mr Umar observed that, being the most powerful institution for preserving cultural heritage, libraries are, unfortunately, losing their identity in Nigeria.
States
SGBV: Lagos govt trains health workers on prevention, management as cases rise
The ministry’s spokesperson said the training equipped health workers with the knowledge and skills to provide professional, compassionate, and timely care to survivors.
World
Ukraine’s Zelensky signs deal to buy 100 French fighter jets
Mr Zelensky signed a similar memorandum of understanding in Sweden for the purchase of up to 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets.
Heading 4
Shift focus to AFCON to recover lost glory, Tinubu tells Super Eagles
Mr Tinubu said that although the defeat was painful, the team deserved commendation for their spirited push, particularly after winning the first playoff match against Gabon.
