Patients in Bayelsa State were stranded on Wednesday as public hospitals discharged patients following a nationwide seven-day warning strike embarked upon by nurses.
The strike which was ordered by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), led to the shutdown of services in most public hospitals, with union leaders ensuring strict compliance.
A visit by our correspondent to Amarata Primary Health Centre in Yenagoa, witnessed the closure of the facility, while at the Federal
Medical Centre (FMC) Yenagoa, patients wandered around the wards with little or no attention.
Some who arrived early for appointments with medical professionals waited for hours later.
NANNM Chairman at FMC, Liberia Woyengibarafagha Progress, said the strike was total, with no skeletal services. “We have nine demands, including improved professional allowances, better equipment, more nurses, and the creation of a nursing department in the health ministry,” he said.
He added that nurses were overworked and under-recognised despite being key players in the health sector.
“In other countries, nurses are recognised and respected; in Nigeria, we are neglected. We say enough is enough,” Progress said.
National Treasurer of NANNM, Comrade Amos Ombufa, said the union would issue another 21-day ultimatum to the government after the warning strike, threatening an indefinite strike if their demands were not met.
“All federal hospitals in the South-South zone are fully shut down. Compliance is total,” he stated.
FMC’s Public Relations Officer, Akpedi Bernard, admitted the strike had crippled services but said management had mobilised doctors and senior nurses to handle only critical cases.
“It is unfortunate because FMC handles over 70% of Bayelsa’s healthcare needs. The strike has hit us hard,” he said.
Patients and families expressed frustration over the strike’s impact, but hoped for quick resolution to avoid further suffering.
At the FMC, only a few patients were seen moving around the wards without receiving prompt medical attention, with some saying they had been waiting to see a doctor since as early as 8a.m.
Also, those who said they were on appointment with the doctors on Wednesday were also seen roaming around, waiting for attention.
One Mrs. Grace Ogidi, who brought her sick child to FMC Yenagoa, expressed frustration over the situation. “I came as early as 7am hoping to see a nurse, but there was nobody to attend to us.
“My child needs care, and we don’t know where else to go. I just hope the government listens to them and ends this strike quickly,” she said.
