Health workers vow to continue strike

2015-01-22 16:11
Lagos - Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU)and Assembly of Health Professionals Association (AHPA) have vowed to continue their two months old strike.

The pledge came as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) decried the ongoing strike by public sector health workers, describing it as unjust.

The Deputy Secretary of the association, Lagos state Chapter, Peter Ogunnunbi, said in Lagos that the strike was driven by rivalry with medical doctors.

But in a communiqué from a meeting with the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, on Wednesday, JOHESU urged members not to be deterred by “intimidation”.

The communiqué, signed by National General Secretary, Ogbonna O.C, said, “It was observed that up till now the government had not done anything to meet this promise. JOHESU arising from the meeting resolved that the strike should continue until government accede to our requests.”

They also agreed that fasting and prayer sessions will be held in various units and state branches on Tuesday.

Some health workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Abuja told pressmen that the session were held in their states.

Port Harcourt members held theirs at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

During the sessions, members were expected to ask God to touch the heart of the Nigerian government to accede to the unions demand.

After the prayer session, the members will embark on mass rallies in different state capitals on January 21. They will also conduct press conferences and briefings.

On January 22, professional associations will hold mass rallies, press conferences, briefing, informing the media with the happenings in the Health sector.

The Presidents of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) will be contacted by the union to facilitate a meeting with Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan.

Also, traditional rulers and all well-meaning Nigerians will be contacted in reaching out to the president.

The union will also write a reminder to the Nigerian government reminding them of the promise made to JOHESU on December 22, 2014.

The Federal Government had in December promised that within three weeks, steps would be taken to improve the salary structure of the health workers.

- NAN