Healthcare services in Kaduna State were disrupted as workers in government-owned hospitals commenced a five-day warning strike on Monday. The strike, called by the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, the Nigerian Association of Laboratory Scientists, and the Association of Hospital Administrative Pharmacists, stems from the non-implementation of the 2009 CONHESS and hazard allowance.
The strike saw strict compliance at major hospitals, including Sabo General Hospital in Sabon Tasha, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and Gwamna Awan General Hospital. Patients reported a noticeable absence of nurses, who had been actively attending to their duties the previous week.
A nurse informed patients that she was administering their last medication due to the strike. One concerned patient said, “I became worried because I know my daughter is very sick.” Another patient urged the Kaduna State Government to address the health workers’ demands, which are impacting citizens’ access to medical care.
Comrade Ishaku Yakubu, Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, Kaduna State Chapter, stated that the strike is a result of the government’s failure to fulfill their demands for the 2009 CONHESS and 2022 hazard allowance. He lamented the government’s repeated empty promises.
Yakubu recounted that in 2023, the union had considered striking, but the government formed a committee to review the CONHESS salary structure for all health workers. Although doctors received their balance from the 2014 CONHESS, nurses are still awaiting their balance from the 2009 CONHESS.
The union also submitted a calculated financial implication of the 2022 hazard allowance as requested by the Health Commissioner in November 2023. Despite assurances of partial payment in 2023 and the remainder in 2024, these payments have not been made.
Yakubu expressed hope that Governor Uba Sani, known for his labor-friendly stance, would address their demands promptly. The strike will continue until the government meets their demands.
