By Akinsuroju Olubunmi,
Oyo Nurses, Midwives vow to continue strike.
Nurses and midwives in Oyo State have declared that their ongoing strike will persist until the state government meets their demands.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Dr. Samuel Adeyemi, stated firmly that there is no retreat from the industrial action.
The strike, which began on May 21, 2024, has left patients in state government-owned hospitals and health centers without care, causing significant distress.
The demands of the NANNM include the urgent recruitment of more nurses and midwives, correcting the incorrect notional dates on promotion letters for members due in 2017/2018, and implementing career progression policies as seen in other states. They are also demanding the payment of withheld salary arrears from 2011, which have already been paid to other workers.
Adeyemi emphasized that the strike would not end until Governor Seyi Makinde addresses these issues. He pointed out that the government’s advertisement for recruitment could merely be a delay tactic, and that true respect for human life is lacking.
Meanwhile, Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the State Hospitals Management Board, acknowledged that recruitment is a key issue and noted that the state government had previously hired health workers in 2020. He mentioned ongoing efforts to recruit additional staff, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and physiotherapists.
Fagbemi appealed to the striking nurses and midwives to call off the strike for the sake of the people of Oyo State. He assured that the recruitment process is continuous and that the board will address staffing gaps before the end of the year.
Strike, Recruitment.
Oyo Nurses, Midwives vow to continue strike