President Bola Tinubu expressed his administration’s dedication to revitalizing Nigeria’s health sector and reinstating public trust.
He made this commitment during a meeting with leaders of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Abuja on Monday.
Recognizing the significance of healthcare and the invaluable contribution of healthcare professionals to society, President Tinubu assured the leaders that his administration would address all the challenges currently impeding the sector’s optimal performance.
He told them, “The health sector is one with a commitment to humanity. We will resolve all the problems. Trust must be enshrined in all discussions.
“I promise you, we will accelerate this. We will resolve all the issues. Please go back to work.” l
Speaking at the meeting, acting Chairman of the union, Dr Obinna Ogbonna, said members of the union were ready to go back to work for the benefit of all Nigerians.
He called on President Tinubu to pay attention to the healthcare delivery system through investment in infrastructure and better welfare for workers so as to stop the brain drain currently plaguing the sector.
“Mr President, now that we have assurance from the top, we are encouraged to go back and talk to our members with a view to going back to work,” Obinna said.
Mr Olumide Akintayo, a member of JOHESU executive council,adding his voice appealed to the Federal Government to cultivate the habit of responding to labor issues and nip them in the bud proactively.
It should be noted that on May 25, union members initiated an indefinite strike in order to advocate for their demands.
The ongoing industrial action has significantly impacted healthcare services in federal government hospitals throughout the country.
The health workers have put forth several demands, including the immediate approval and implementation of the technical committee report on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
Furthermore, they are seeking prompt payment of the omitted and insufficient COVID-19 hazard/inducement allowances owed to affected health workers in federal health institutions.
Additionally, the union is advocating for the payment of the new hazard allowance and peculiar allowance to its members, who are affiliated with JOHESU/AHPA.