Trouble In Hospitals

In Nigeria, the word “strike” is like a broken record where the Joint Health Sector Workers’ Union of Nigeria, JOHESU, a conglomerate of healthcare associations in the health sector, is concerned. To the average Nigeria, strike means a number of things, none of which is encouraging, complimentary or healthy to say the least.

For years, the body of health workers has been engaged in a running battle with the authorities often leading to paralysis of activities in the health sector. In seeking balance and harmony in the health sector, JOHESU, among other demands, unwittingly rocks the ship of the house of health in several respects.

Health workers under the aegis of the JOHESU, have been spoiling for a showdown over non- implementation of the May 10, 2012 Collective Agreement that caters for promotion of members under the controversial CONHESS 14 to 15, among plethora of issues.

On March 18, 2013, JOHESU declared a nine-point trade dispute upon which it issued a 15-day ultimatum to Federal Government to implement the May 10, 2012 Collective Agreement, among others.

Earlier this year, JOHESU, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress, demanded to have consultants among its non-medical staff members, the payment of specialist, call duty/shift and other professional allowances as enjoyed by doctors.

Spirited moves to resolve the dispute at the highest levels have routinely hit the rocks and Thursday last week, the JOHESU, which many believe has had more than its fair share of strikes over the years to push for improved welfare of health workers,  commenced yet another indefinite strike action. Among others, JOHESU is seeking promotion of their members from salary level 14-15 on the CONHESS, immediate release of circular on adjustment of salary since January 2014, the reversal of a decision of the Federal Ministry of Health that only those registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria could be referred to Consultants, and the release of circular on extension of retirement age to be backdated to February 2014.

Prior to the last but one strike action, JOHESU had dragged the Federal Government before the National Industrial Court where judgment was issued in favour of the health workers. JOHESU later met with a government delegation headed by Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation following which the signing of a five-page Memorandum of Understanding between the parties, led to suspension of the strike.

JOHESU President, Dr Ayuba Wabba, had told Nigerians that decision to suspend the strike was borne out of the need to move the nation ahead, while government said it was implementing the judgment of the court as a mark of respect for the rule of law. A Presidential Committee to fashion out ways to guarantee a harmonious relationship between government and JOHESU and other professionals in the health sector. But all these arrangements soon hit a brick wall as the failure of government to implement the judgment led to the current nationwide strike.

The umbrella body of health workers had insisted that government had reneged on its promise and turned a deaf ear to its appeals to do the needful, to prevent the strike. Similar agreements from the past were yet to be fulfilled following the October 9 meeting during which government asked for more time to work out things.

Now healthcare services in hospitals are grounded, patients are suffering, the sick cannot obtain care and lives are on the line. Nigerians are suffering, and those without the means to patronise private hospitals or travel abroad are the hardest hit. The argument is that the seemingly intractable  crisis can be resolved amicably, if  agreements in respect of level skipping for health workers, the withheld arrears and other issues are addressed. But government appears to disagree. Describing the strike action as unjustifiable, unnecessary and unfortunate, Minister of State for health and Supervising Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, says the strike as unnecessary because there are ongoing negotiations between the union and the government.

Nevertheless, the union has vowed to continue with the strike until government implements  the agreements. Although a circular has been released on the consultancy issue, the matters bordering on retirement age and salaries remain outstanding.  The face off continues.