Press "Enter" to skip to content

“Operation Alligator Bite” on September 20; Health workers strike

Just when the Federal Government had finally gotten the Resident Doctors, under the auspices of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), to call off the strike action and return back to work, the health workers are planning to go on an indefinite strike from Wednesday September 20th, 2017.

The Joint Sector Unions (JOHESU) have directed its members to commence strike from September 20th  if the Federal Government fails to address the Union’s issues. Tagged “Operation Alligator Bite” by JOHESU, the Union claims the strike would be more dangerous than the Nigerian Army’s “Operation Python Dance” in the South-East.

The strike is planned to shut down operations in public hospitals due to the prolonged delay by the Federal Government in meeting the Union’s demands since 2014.

The Union have accused the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government of bias in handling its concerns in the health sector, with preferential treatment accorded to Medical Doctors whenever they embark on “illegal strike” action. The Union’s President, Biobelemoye Josiah, claims that the Ministry of Health had invited them to a meeting only to snub them.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has appealed to the leadership of JOHESU to prevail on its members to shelve the planned strike.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Mrs Boade Akinola, the Ministry’s Director of Media and Public Relations, the Minister assured the Union of the Government’s efforts and dedication in meeting the demands made. He also appealed to the members to consider Nigerians who are the sole victims of such strike action.

JOHESU makes up about 95 percent of health workers and health care providers in the country. It is affiliated with the Medical and Health Workers of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutes.

Facebook Comments
ETN24 - Explaining the News is about putting News in the correct context to promote understanding and education. We believe News should educate, not agitate. Our dedication is to fighting Fake and Sensational News, as well as to keep an eye on the media to ensure our peace and sanity are not sold for traffic.