Partial compliance in Abuja hospitals as JOHESU continues strike

Health workers in public hospitals in Abuja, organized under the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), have begun a partial strike in response to a directive from their leadership. This coalition includes the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.

On October 9, JOHESU informed Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, that they would resume their suspended strike on October 25 if their demands were not addressed. The strike commenced at midnight on October 25, 2024, aiming to fulfill several key demands, including the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure to match the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure established in January 2014. Other requests include the implementation of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in federal health institutions, an increase in retirement age from 60 to 65 for health workers and 70 for consultants, and remuneration for JOHESU members within professional regulatory councils.

Further demands involve the payment of CONHESS arrears, tax exemptions on healthcare workers’ allowances, immediate COVID-19 hazard payments for excluded workers, the suspension of the planned National Health Facility Regulatory Agency’s establishment, and the withdrawal of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures.

During a visit to the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja, it was observed that health workers were still attending to patients, although many were locum staff. Aaron Okonofua, Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Union at the FMC Abuja branch, confirmed that compliance with the strike was limited, as the hospital management had not been officially notified over the weekend.

“There is partial compliance at the moment because I am just finalizing the notification of the seven-day strike to management. I intended to do this last Friday, but my secretary was unavailable to provide the letterhead for official communication. However, we plan to ensure full compliance starting this afternoon,” Okonofua stated.

Similarly, at the National Hospital in Abuja, patients were being seen, but there was uncertainty about the continuation of services the following day. A patient named Martha Ugwu remarked, “They’re attending to us, which is encouraging, but I’m not sure if they will be available tomorrow based on the current situation.”

A medical laboratory scientist at the hospital, who wished to remain anonymous, attributed the partial compliance to the short notice of the strike announcement. “The strike was declared over the weekend, and many staff members are unaware; the hospital management needs proper notification. However, starting tomorrow, you will see full compliance—some of my colleagues might even leave by noon.”

Meanwhile, JOHESU’s National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, mentioned that while the Federal Government has informally reached out for discussions, no official communication has been received yet. “The Federal Government has approached us informally about a meeting, but we require a formal letter or invitation to proceed with any engagement,” he stated.