Ondo State Nurses Initiate Indefinite Strike Over Welfare Concerns

Ondo State Nurses Initiate Indefinite Strike Over Welfare Concerns

In a significant development, nurses and midwives in Ondo State have commenced an indefinite strike, effectively grounding government hospitals across the region. This action stems from unresolved grievances regarding inadequate welfare packages and unmet agreements with the state government.

Background of the Strike

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Ondo State announced the strike, highlighting several critical issues:

Unfulfilled Agreements: Despite multiple negotiations, the state government has failed to honor commitments made during previous discussions. Notably, the approved N73,000 minimum wage was implemented with irregularities, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among healthcare workers. 

Salary Discrepancies: The adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) was marred by inconsistencies, prompting the association to reject the implementation. This has resulted in nurses receiving salaries based on outdated structures, contrary to agreements reached with the government. 

Unmet Welfare Demands: The association's demands include the payment of salary arrears, promotion and hazard allowances, and the correction of the 2022 conversion exercise for nurses. Additionally, they seek the resumption of negotiations on uniform allowances as stipulated in the Public Service rule. 

Impact on Healthcare Services

The strike has led to the closure of government-owned hospitals and health centers in Ondo State, severely disrupting healthcare services. Patients seeking medical attention are now faced with limited options, as private healthcare facilities may not be equipped to handle the surge in demand.

Government Response

In response to the strike, the Ondo State Government has called on nurses to suspend their planned action, urging them to return to work. However, the government's appeal has yet to yield a resolution, as the nurses remain steadfast in their demands.

This strike underscores the critical need for improved welfare and working conditions for healthcare professionals in Nigeria. The situation in Ondo State reflects broader challenges within the Nigerian healthcare system, where issues such as inadequate remuneration, poor working conditions, and lack of resources continue to plague the sector.

The indefinite strike by nurses and midwives in Ondo State highlights the urgent need for the state government to address the welfare concerns of healthcare workers. Resolving these issues is essential to restore normalcy in healthcare services and ensure the well-being of the state's residents.