Oyo Healthcare in Limbo: Workers Down Tools, Demand Action from Government
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) in Oyo State has commenced a seven-day warning strike to address longstanding issues and press for their demands.
The strike began on Monday, March 4, 2024, and is expected to last until March 11, 2024. The union members are demanding the implementation of a new national hazard allowance for health professionals, teaching allowance for NUAHP members involved in training interns and students, and an adjustment of the CONHESS table for members.
They are also seeking the release of promotion letters for qualified members, the restoration of call duty allowance for dental therapists, and the recruitment of more health workers to replace retirees and those who left the service.
According to the union chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Ajani, the strike is a result of the state government’s failure to address their demands after an ultimatum issued on February 23, 2024, expired. The ultimatum paved the way for the current warning strike.
The union has warned that if there is no “feasible outcome” after the seven-day warning strike, they will declare an indefinite strike which would impact clinical postings, research, and other hospital activities across the state.