Health

Abuja Hospitals Deserted, as JOHESU, AHPA Commence Strike

Published

6 months ago

October 29, 2024

Health workers in public hospitals in Abuja under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association (AHPA), have complied with the directive by their leadership to embark on a seven-day warning strike.

JOHESU is made up of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutions, and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.

On October 9, JOHESU notified the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, of resuming its suspended strike on October 25, if its demands were not met.

The strike which commenced from midnight of Friday, October 25, 2024, was to press home their demands, which include, the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure as was done with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure since January 2, 2014; the implementation of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in Federal Health Institutions; the upward review in the retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health workers and 70 years for consultants, and the payment of JOHESU members in professional regulatory councils

Others are the payment of arrears of CONHESS review, the tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, the immediate payment of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances to omitted health workers, the immediate suspension of planned establishment and activities of National Health Facility Regulatory Agency, and the withdrawal of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures.

A visit by Abuja City Journal reporter to Federal Medical Centre in Abuja,revealed that the strike action has commenced fully with few health workers rendering partial services to the patients

The Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria at the FMC Abuja branch, Aaron Okonofua confirmed that there was only partial compliance with the strike due to the hospital management not being formally notified over the weekend.

“There is partial compliance for now because you can see that I am just signing the letter of commencement of the seven-day strike to the management.

I was supposed to do it last Friday and my secretary was not around for me to get a letterhead to inform the management officially. But, we promise that we will do our best to ensure that we comply from this afternoon,” Okonofua stated.

Also, at the National Hospital, Abuja, patients were also being seen, though uncertainty remained about whether workers would continue attending to them today.

A patient who identified herself as Martha Ugwu said, “They’re attending to us, and it’s a good thing, but I’m not sure they will attend to patients tomorrow (Tuesday) from the look of things.”

A medical laboratory scientist at the hospital who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to comment, attributed the partial compliance to the timing of the strike announcement.

He said, “The strike was declared over the weekend, and not many people are aware and the management of the hospital needs to be properly informed.

“But from today (Tuesday), you will see that we will not be here. This is like the first day of the strike for us, but from tomorrow you will notice full compliance, even some of my colleagues will leave by noon.”

Meanwhile, the National Secretary of JOHESU, Martin Egbanubi told reporters that the Federal Government has informally reached out to the unions, but no official communication has occurred yet.

“The Federal Government has reached out to us informally for an engagement, but nothing has been made official yet.

“We need a formal letter or invitation if they want to engage us for a meeting,” he said.

Health

FG Boosts Nursing Enrollment to 115,000 to Bridge Healthcare Gap

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

In a major move to tackle Nigeria’s growing healthcare workforce shortage, the Federal Government has increased the annual enrollment of nursing students from 28,000 to 115,000.

The announcement was made on April 28, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare and education sectors under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The surge, surpassing the original target of 110,000 students, is the result of collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Health & Social Welfare.

The milestone was achieved thanks to the leadership of Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and support from industry experts, the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, and teaching hospitals.

Health

Battle Against Malaria Gains New Fire

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

Determined to stamp out malaria, major health organizations stormed the University of Lagos with a sweeping campaign of education, free testing, and drug distribution.

Themed “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the outreach united Green Life Pharmaceuticals, Green Life Hospital, Seagreen Pharmaceutical, and Clearline HMO in a powerful push to fight the disease that continues to ravage communities across Nigeria.

Hundreds of students and residents turned up for free malaria tests, prevention kits, and vital health education. Organizers stressed the urgent need for community action, with a special focus on empowering young people to drive change.

Peter Nwosu, Executive Director of Green Life Pharmaceuticals, described the campaign as more than a symbolic gesture.

“We are here not just to mark a day but to make a real difference,” he declared, calling for sustained efforts against the deadly scourge.

Speaking for Clearline HMO, Dr. Oghenerukevwe Peretomode warned that climate change is fueling malaria through flooding and rising temperatures.

She called for stronger government support, innovation, and personal responsibility, urging Nigerians to use treated nets and maintain clean surroundings.

Chris Ikeagu, General Manager of Green Life Hospital, said the choice of UNILAG was deliberate.

“Youth are the key to this battle. They will take the message home,” he said, stressing that early detection and treatment remain vital weapons in the fight.

The event stood as a fresh rallying call for Nigerians to take the malaria fight personally, seriously, and urgently.

Health

Media Champions Demand Action on Vaccines

Published

3 days ago

April 27, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

As nations mark the 2025 World Immunization Week, media practitioners across southern Nigeria have issued a resounding call for governments to urgently invest in vaccines and protect citizens from preventable diseases.

Speaking during a two-day multi-zonal dialogue organized by UNICEF in Enugu, journalists from twelve states pledged to intensify monitoring of immunization efforts, particularly in rural areas.

“The event spotlighted this year’s campaign theme: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.”

UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, stressed that vaccines remain one of humanity’s greatest victories, saving over 154 million lives in the past fifty years.

She warned that rising vaccine-preventable diseases stem largely from government complacency and called for renewed political commitment and funding for immunization programs.

“Vaccines have proven that fewer diseases and more saved lives are achievable when we invest,” Chiluwe said. “It is time to show the world that immunization for all is truly possible.”

Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Francis Nwubani, echoed the appeal, urging journalists to use their platforms to boost vaccination campaigns and reduce child mortality.

The dialogue ended with strong resolutions for continuous media engagement to drive home the message that no life should be lost to diseases that vaccines can prevent.