Health workers in Oyo state commence seven-day warning strike

Healthcare workers in Oyo State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), have begun a seven-day warning strike due to the government’s failure to address their demands over a two-year period.

Chairman of the association, Olanrewaju Ajani, made this known after the congress on Monday. The association is requesting government intervention to meet their 10-point demand.

Some of the demands include the implementation of the new national hazard allowance for health professionals, teaching allowance for members involved in training interns and students, and adjustment of CONHESS table for Oyo State members as done for medical doctors since 2021.

Other demands include revamping state health facilities, release of promotion letters, skipping of CONHESS 10 for Grade Level 11, restoration of call duty allowance for dental therapists, recruitment of more health workers, and the inclusion of NUAHP members who are retiring or leaving the state service, among others.

Mr. Ajani emphasized that the union will not tolerate marginalization of its members in the health sector. The chairman instructed members to undergo a seven-day warning strike and warned of an indefinite strike if demands are not met.

He stated, “The seven-day ultimatum outlined in our letter ended on Monday, March 4. All members in hospitals and health facilities in the state are directed to participate in the seven-day warning strike until March 11. If demands are not met, an indefinite strike will be declared.”

The strike will involve various healthcare professionals in hospitals across Oyo State.