Healthcare professionals in Katsina State have declared a seven-day warning strike beginning September 8, warning that they will embark on an indefinite industrial action if the state government fails to address their demands.
The strike, which will commence at midnight on Sept. 8, involves members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria.
The unions announced the decision in a notice jointly signed by leaders of the Assembly of Health Care Professionals in Katsina State and addressed to the state Head of Service.
The move follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Katsina State Government on Aug. 11.
Assembly Chairman Ibrahim Balange said the government failed to demonstrate serious commitment toward resolving the workers’ long-standing welfare and professional concerns despite repeated engagements.
According to him, members unanimously agreed to proceed with the warning strike after exhausting all available avenues for an amicable resolution of the dispute.
“The unions will proceed on an indefinite strike if the government fails to address their demands at the expiration of the seven-day warning action,” Balange said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, over the years that we have been on this struggle, the state government has never demonstrated any form of seriousness on our long overdue legitimate demands, despite admitting the justification of our cries.”
The healthcare workers are demanding the implementation of 100 percent Consolidated Health Salary Structure as obtainable in federal health institutions, implementation of the skipping of CONHESS 10, and a review of the current 10 percent hazard allowance.
They are also seeking improved call duty, shift duty, clinical, non-clinical, rural and specialist allowances, as well as an increase in nurses’ uniform allowance to N80,000.
Balange said the demands are aimed at improving the welfare of healthcare workers, boosting morale and strengthening healthcare service delivery across the state.
He appealed to residents to bear with the workers over any inconvenience that may result from the industrial action.
“We call on the general public to understand our situation and hold the government responsible for any inconveniences this action may cause. We have exhausted all amicable options without success,” he said.
If the warning strike proceeds as planned, public healthcare services across Katsina State could face significant disruptions. Medical doctors, however, are not part of the planned industrial action.
