During a cholera outbreak, Oyo State in Nigeria confronts another major challenge: an ongoing strike by health workers. Efforts to contain the disease are hindered as the government struggles to bring health workers back to their posts.
Healthcare is crucial for advancement. Experts agree that sustainable progress relies on prioritizing public health. A healthy populace can contribute productively, generating wealth and enhancing the nation’s economy.
Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces numerous challenges, such as insufficient funding, lack of worker incentives, and inadequate welfare packages, leading to frequent strikes among health workers and others in Nigeria.
In Oyo State, three health sector unions have gone on strike this year alone. On March 4, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) began a seven-day warning strike over unmet demands. Union Chairman Olanrewaju Ajani noted that the government failed to address their concerns, which included the implementation of a new hazard allowance and other benefits.
The strike was suspended on March 11 after the government took steps to meet some demands. However, industrial harmony remains elusive. On May 21, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) began an indefinite strike over similar issues. Their demands included the recruitment of more nurses and the implementation of a 25 percent salary increase.
NANNM’s strike continued despite calls from their chairman, Adeyemi Samuel, for the government to address their demands. He highlighted the long-standing issues since 2011, including poor recruitment practices and delayed promotions.
On June 24, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) joined the fray with a seven-day warning strike. Union President John Fabunmi stated that their action was necessary to push their demands after the government failed to respond to a 14-day ultimatum.
These strikes have crippled hospitals in Ibadan, the state capital. Hospitals like the State Hospital at Ring Road, Oni and Son Memorial Hospital, and Jericho Nursing Home have seen significantly reduced activity. However, primary health centers in Ogbomoso and Iseyin continued operating due to the ongoing Maternal and Child Health Week.
The cholera outbreak exacerbates the situation. Health researcher Adewale Moshood lamented the increased mortality rate due to the strikes. He noted that patients were unable to receive medical attention, worsening their conditions. He also pointed out the financial loss to the state as patients sought care in neighboring states.
Moshood blamed government insensitivity for the strikes. He recalled that during Governor Seyi Makinde’s first term, the government was more responsive to workers’ demands. However, in his second term, there have been significant lapses. He urged the governor to hold meetings with the unions to find a lasting solution and identify any officials sabotaging efforts.
Emmanuel Ogundiran, the immediate past Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State, echoed this sentiment. He appealed for both parties to return to negotiations for the sake of the citizens. Ogundiran emphasized that strikes are a last resort after other measures fail.
Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, also appealed to striking health workers to call off their action. He praised Governor Makinde’s responsiveness to workers’ issues and noted that job adverts for various healthcare roles had been published. Fagbemi stressed that the nurses’ demands were administrative and within the government’s power to address.
Despite these appeals, the health sector remains in turmoil. The ongoing cholera outbreak and the strikes have created a dire situation for residents. It is crucial for the government and health workers to swiftly find common ground to restore normalcy and effectively combat the outbreak.
Source: The Guardian
