From Our Correspondent
Nurses in Ondo State will today (Friday) commence indefinite strike over what they described as improper remuneration and poor welfare.
State Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, Mr Felix Orobode announced this yesterday at a news conference in Akure.
According to Orobode, the strike would be fully implemented in all state-owned health institutions, as the state government has been insensitive to the demands of the association since 2023.
“Since 2023, various engagements have been held with government were we tabled our demands, but none of them have been properly addressed.
“These demands include lateral conversion (point to point) for our nurses with first degree certificates and uniform allowance for nurses, as captured in the public service rule.
“We also demanded payment of arrears of promotion and hazard allowances, conducive environment in our health facilities with the provision of adequate hospital equipment to work with.
“There was also the proper placement/remuneration of our nurses and midwives.
“Even with numerous rounds of negotiation, unwavering patience and significant concessions made by our association, government has refused to honour its commitment.
“Rather, one profession in the health sector was favoured over others with the adjustment of their salary structure in July 2024,” Orobode said.
He added that the adjustment of their remuneration was marred with irregularities, following the announcement of N73,000 as the minimum wage in the state,
“We have since rejected this adjustment. This necessitated another round of negotiations, where a consensus was reached to have another table with implementation from January salary.
“To our dismay, January salary was paid with the old salary table, which was never part of our agreement.
“Based on this unhealthy development, an emergency State Executive Council, SEC, meeting was summoned today.
“After reviewing our activities so far, we concluded that government has taken us for a ride.
“We, therefore, resolved to direct all nurses and midwives under the employment of Ondo State to withdraw their services indefinitely with effect from 12:00am on Friday, January 31.
“This will be the status quo until our demands are met by government,” he said.
Orobode also said government’s refusal to honour the association’s demands had left it with no other option than to down tools.
He stated that nurses and midwives could no longer endure the financial and professional neglect that had characterised their relationship with government.
Appealing to all stakeholders and members of the public to understand and support the course of the association, Orobode noted that the action was in the best interest of healthcare delivery in the state.
