Healthcare workers in Lagos State have commenced a three-day warning strike, disrupting essential medical services across the state. The strike, which began on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, is a result of the government’s failure to implement adjusted salary structures for health workers.
The strike action was initiated by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), which comprises various healthcare professional associations, including nurses, midwives, and allied health workers. The union is demanding the immediate implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for all health workers in the state.
“We have been patient for too long,” said Comrade Matthew Ajorutu, Acting National Secretary of JOHESU. “Our members are grossly underpaid and deserve better remuneration for their critical role in providing healthcare services to the people of Lagos.”
The strike has already begun to impact healthcare services across the state, with many hospitals and clinics reporting disruptions in patient care. Emergency services are expected to be minimally affected, but elective surgeries and routine appointments have been postponed.
The Lagos State Government has yet to respond to the strike action. However, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, has acknowledged the concerns of healthcare workers and promised to address their grievances.
“We understand the importance of fair remuneration for our healthcare workers,” said Dr. Idris. “We are committed to finding a resolution that is fair to both the workers and the state.”
The three-day warning strike is expected to end on Friday, December 13, 2024. However, if the government fails to meet the demands of the healthcare workers, the union has threatened to escalate the strike action.
Sources: Punch, ThisdayLIVE.
