A coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State has embarked on a three-day warning strike, citing the government's failure to implement adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The strike, which began today, involves key unions such as the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, emphasized the unions' frustration during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). "The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for the implementation of our demands and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment," Odumosu stated.
He further explained that a recent meeting with state government officials ended without resolution, prompting the unions to proceed with the strike.
The unions have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as the government's selective prioritization within the health sector. Odumosu highlighted that while doctors received a 35 percent adjustment to their salary structure (CONMESS) in October, other health professionals have been left waiting.
"This approach, which prioritises some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state," he remarked.
Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary of NUAHP, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the delayed implementation of the 25 percent CONHESS adjustment. The strike affects all state-owned health facilities, including the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centers.
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