The Federal Government has met with health workers, who are part of the Joint Health Workers Unions, to talk about important issues related to salary adjustments, the condition of the health workforce, overdue payments, and setting up timelines for creating boards at tertiary health institutions.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, announced this on his X handle @muhammadpate, on Thursday.
JOHESU’s members include the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions.
Our reporter had exclusively revealed that JOHESU wrote to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Finance, requesting an upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
JOHESU stated that it might resume its suspended strike if the Federal Government does not take positive action regarding the salary structure.
The Consolidated Health Salary Structure is the payment structure for health workers in pharmacy, and medical laboratory science, among others.
The health workers went on strike in May last year but halted it after 12 days on June 5, 2023, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Prof Pate, on Thursday, however, emphasized that establishing trust and confidence in the government’s policies and programs among various individuals and stakeholders within the sector is crucial for the rejuvenation of Nigeria’s health system.
Pate said, “Establishing trust and confidence in our policies and programs among various individuals and stakeholders within the sector is vital for the rejuvenation of Nigeria’s health system. This involves respectfully involving, listening, and seeking advice from health workers’ unions, civil society, and traditional and faith leaders for guidance on transforming our country’s healthcare system.
“This week, we had productive discussions with representatives from major health unions, which together represent over 90 per cent of the workforce under the umbrella of @JohesuNigeri, as part of our ongoing consultative dialogue on pressing issues in the health sector.
“We recognize and thank you for sharing important concerns regarding pay adjustments, the condition of the health workforce, overdue payments, and setting timelines for creating boards at tertiary health institutions. In line with Mr President’s @officialABAT Renewed Hope Agenda for improved health outcomes for all Nigerians, and the core role of JOHESU, we appreciate and are committed to maintaining the positive and trusting relationship we have developed since this administration.”
He said the government is working on ensuring progress in resolving the outstanding legacy issues that have persisted for more than 10 years.
“We express our gratitude to the leaders from the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, which includes about 17 professional associations, and the leadership of the Northern and Southern Nursing Unions for your confidence in our mission.
“Even though our country is experiencing difficulties, we are fully committed to keeping the promises of the President to the people of Nigeria. We will work together to change our healthcare system. I am confident that someday we will look back on this time with pride and thankfulness to God for our collective efforts to save Nigerian lives,” he said.
