Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have initiated a seven-day warning strike that commenced at midnight on Friday.
This decision follows a fifteen-day notice provided to the Federal Government, reflecting significant concerns regarding various unresolved matters impacting their members throughout the country.
Kabiru Minjibir, the national chairman of JOHESU, outlined the union’s requests during a press conference in Abuja.
The union is advocating for substantial modifications to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, similar to the adjustments made to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure on January 2, 2014.
Additionally, they are seeking the establishment of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in Federal Health Institutions and an increase in the retirement age—from 60 to 65 years for health workers and to 70 years for consultants.
Other requests include the settlement of arrears related to the CONHESS review, a tax exemption on allowances for healthcare workers, and the prompt payment of COVID-19 hazard inducement allowances that were missed for certain health workers.
JOHESU is also urging the immediate halt of the proposed establishment and operations of the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency, as well as the retraction of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures.
Minjibir stressed the importance of these demands, underscoring their vital role in safeguarding the welfare and operational effectiveness of health workers nationwide.
He indicated that the strike aims to compel the government to address these enduring issues without delay.
JOHESU has instructed all its members across various federal health institutions to strictly follow the strike directive, emphasizing the gravity of their concerns.
