Health workers threaten nationwide strike over allowances, shift patterns

Health workers in Nigeria, under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have asked the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, to comply with the order of the National Industrial Court in the interest of industrial peace in the nation's health sector.

The President of NIC, Justice B.A. Adejumo, had in his ruling, ordered the implementation of Shift Duty, Call Duty and other allowances for members of JOHESU but dismissed their reliefs on the National Health Bill.

However, JOHESU, in a letter to Chukwu by its Chairman, Dr. Ayuba Waba; Secretary, Yusuf Badmus; and Chairperson of Joint Health Professional Association, Dr. Godswill Okara, copies of which were made available to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, gave the minister a 21-day ultimatum to comply with the court order 'or risk a massive industrial action in the health sector.'

The letter was entitled, 'Compliance and implementation of National Industrial Court of Nigeria judgement in respect of suit No. NICN/ABJ/238/2012, delivered on Monday, July 22, 2013'.

When contacted for his response on the threat, the Special Assistant to the Minister (Media and Communication), Mr. Dan Nwomeh told our correspondent that he had yet to see the court order.