CDWR Urges Govt To Prioritise Demands Of Nurses, Midwives

The Oyo State Chapter of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has urged government to prioritise meeting the demands of nurses and midwives who yesterday suspended their strike after spending four out of the seven-day warning strike.

Though the strike has been suspended, the nine major demands of the health workers were yet to be met as at the time of this report.

CDWR had expressed unequivocal support for the warning strike embarked upon by the Oyo State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) which began on Wednesday.

CDWR’s coordinator, Comrade Bamigboye Abiodun noted that the strike was justified, adding that it reflects the deep frustration and dissatisfaction of nurses and midwives across the state, who had been forced to take the action after exhausting all peaceful and administrative avenues to address long-standing demands.

It stated that among the most pressing issues behind the strike was the continued refusal of the Oyo State government to implement the new minimum wage for nurses and midwives at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso.

But announcing the suspension of the strike at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the national president of NANNM, Haruna Mamman, said the decision was reached after an emergency virtual meeting of the national executive council, where the signed memorandum of understanding was reviewed.

According to him, the federal government has agreed to a time-bound implementation of all nine key demands presented by the association.

CDWR had said, “This legally mandated improvement in earnings has been unjustifiably delayed for far too long, leaving many health professionals underpaid and demoralised.

“Compounding the crisis is the critical shortage of nursing personnel across state-owned health institutions. This dire situation has not only placed unbearable strain on the few nurses still in active service but has also severely undermined the quality of healthcare delivery in the state.

“The need for the urgent recruitment of qualified nurses cannot be overstated. Without it, the entire healthcare system in Oyo State risks further collapse under the weight of increasing public demands.

“Other unresolved issues that fueled the strike include non-payment of uniform allowances to all Nurses and Midwives in the service of Oyo State in line with public service rule. This and the government’s failure to implement the 25 percent CONHESS salary increment which is meant to enhance hazard allowances to nurses and midwives working in local government areas have eroded the income and dignity of nurses.

“Also behind the strike is the denial of lateral conversion and career progression opportunities to nurses who have earned Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science, an injustice that not only stifles professional growth but also affects service improvement.”