Patients at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have expressed frustration as a seven-day warning strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) disrupts healthcare services. Urging the federal government to engage with union leaders, patients are calling for an end to the ongoing industrial action.
In an interview at the Ibadan hospital, Mr. Matthew Ademola and Madam Aina Balogun shared that they were unable to access medical services at the Diagnostic Center due to the absence of medical laboratory staff affected by the strike.
A visit to UCH revealed that access to several hospital sections remains restricted, with entry gates closed in response to the labor action.
According to Mr. Oladayo Olabampe, Chairman of the UCH chapter of JOHESU and head of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals in Oyo State, the strike is being observed exclusively at federal healthcare institutions. Olabampe outlined the union’s demands, including an immediate review of the CONHESS salary scale to match the CONMESS adjustment made in 2014, a tax waiver on allowances, and an increase in retirement age to 65 years for general health workers and 70 years for consultants.
Noting that these requests are long overdue, Olabampe warned that the union would escalate to an indefinite strike if the government fails to address their concerns.
The warning strike began on October 26, 2024, and is scheduled to last for seven days.
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