Health workers begin indefinite strike days to presidential inauguration

The Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Association have embarked on an indefinite strike.

During a press conference on Thursday, the JOHESU National Vice President, Dr Obinna Ogbonna, disclosed that the union effective, immediately was embarking on an indefinite strike.

Ogbonna explained that the strike was due to the Federal government’s lackadaisical attitude towards JOHESU’s demands.

Recall that JOHESU had given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to meet its demands in a letter dated May 9, 2023.

Announcing the union’s decision, Obinna said, “Consequent upon the nonchalant, biased and lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Ministry of Health against JOHESU members and the resolution of the expanded National Executive Council meeting of the JOHESU held on Monday, May 8, 2023, our members in Federal Health Institutions nationwide are hereby directed to withdraw their services indefinitely commencing from 00:00 hour on Thursday, May 25, 2023.”

The health unions signatory to the decision to commence strike under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) comprises four (4) affiliate unions: Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA)).

JOHESU is the largest workforce in Nigeria’s Health Sector and are majorly found in secondary and tertiary medical and health institutions.