By Fasilat Lawal

Joint Health Workers Union, JOHESU and Assembly of Health Care Professionals, Senior Staff Association of Universities at Teaching Hospitals and Non-Accademic Staff Union, at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, have left their duty posts in compliance with an indefinite strike declared by the National body.

The indefinite downing of tools, according to the unions, was to press home their demands following   inconsistency in the ongoing negotiations for the adjustment of the CONHESS salary scale for non-physician health cadres, including the implementation of service from 60 years to 65 years in service, among others

At UCH, Radio Nigeria saw JOHESU officials chasing members away from their duty posts, before shutting gates and laboratories.

In an interview,  UCH Branch Chapter  Medical and Health Workers Union, Mr Simeon Ibekwe said the aim of the indefinite strike was informed by the government’s disregard for the welfare of health workers, as the government had refused to accede to their demands.

Mr Ibekwe pointed out that if their demands were not granted, the strike would not be called off.

However, UCH Chief Medical Director Professor Jessie Otegbayo said the hospital was  ensuring that  essential services including accidents, emergency care intensive and children units were not affected by the industrial action and patients on ground were retained while some requested discharge. 

Professor Otegbayo added that UCH had requested more security guards to maintain law and order.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp