Health workers in public hospital facilities across Oyo State have commenced a seven-day warning strike to protest the government’s failure to address their grievances. The strike, organized by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) in Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, aims to compel the state government to meet their demands.
According to Mr. Olanrewaju Ajani, the Unit Chairman of the NUAHP, the warning strike follows an ultimatum issued to the state government on February 23. Ajani explained that the union’s demands, which have been pending for an extended period, include the implementation of the new national hazard allowance for health professionals and the adjustment of CONHESS table for members, among others.
Despite numerous meetings and negotiations with management teams and relevant government offices, Ajani stated that there has been no satisfactory response to their agitations. The union insists on the urgent recruitment of more health workers to replace retirees and restore call duty allowance for dental therapists, among other demands.
The warning strike, conducted in accordance with Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act, has been initiated as a last resort after exhausting all avenues for dialogue. Ajani emphasized the union’s determination to ensure that its members are not sidelined in the state’s health sector.
During the strike, all health workers in hospitals and health facilities across the state will withdraw their services until March 11. If their demands are not met by then, the union threatens to declare an indefinite strike, affecting services in general, state, and specialist/teaching hospitals.
The warning strike by health workers in Oyo State underscores the pressing need for the government to address their grievances and improve conditions in the health sector. With services disrupted, the state government faces mounting pressure to engage with the NUAHP and find a resolution to the ongoing dispute. As the strike continues, the impact on patient care and healthcare delivery remains a significant concern for both health workers and the general public.
