Health

JOHESU Directs Members to Commence Indefinite Strike

By Web News 758

The Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Association have directed their members to embark on an indefinite strike.

The National Vice President of JOHESU, Dr Obinna Ogbonna said this at a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday.

JOHESU is the umbrella body of health workers’ unions and associations, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, and Senior Staff Association of Universities’ Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions.

The leadership of JOHESU had in a letter dated May 9, 2023, issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over alleged inconsistencies of the government in the ongoing negotiations to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers on their platforms.

The 15-day ultimatum commenced on May 10, 2023, and will expire at midnight on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Obinna said, “It becomes imperative to inform you that since the Federal Government is yet to meet these demands, our members have been directed by the JOHESU National Executive Council to proceed on an indefinite strike action upon expiration of the ultimatum by midnight of May 25, 2023.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

Health Workers Withdraw Services over Kidnap of Members in Ogun

By Web News 1214

Following the kidnap of another health worker in Ogun state, members of the Nigeria Medical Association and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives under the employ of Ogun state government have withdrawn their services until government guarantee their safety.

The health workers in a joint letter signed by the state Chairman of NMA, Doctor Oladayo Ogunlaja and state Chairman of NANNM, Mrs. Roseline Solarin written to the Ogun state government through the Commissioner for Health stated that the recent kidnapping of their members has revealed that the government could not their guarantee safety.

The health workers also described the non-readiness of the government to negotiate with the abductors of their members as unacceptable noting that the government has not shown commitment in rescuing the victims.

They called on the government to make security of lives and property a priority before their return to duties.

Another health worker a dental therapist was reportedly kidnapped in Ijebu Igbo six days after a doctor and a nurse were kidnapped along Imeko Afon road.

The situation has brought the number of health worker abducted across Ogun state to three within seven days.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Covid-19: Experts Urge Environmental Health Officers to Sensitize Public

By Web News 975

In the face of the second wave of corona virus in the country, medical experts have challenged environmental health officers to remain proactive and sensitize the public on preventive measures to curb the spread. 

Dr Oladapo Okareh and Dr Faith Kazeem gave the charge in their separate lectures at this year’s National Scientific Workshop and delegate conference of environmental health officers held in Ibadan. 

The experts, who spoke on the causes, symptoms and implications of stigmatizations against Covid-19 patients, advised environmental health officers to ensure the right information are in public domain to avoid misconception.

Reacting, Dr Temitope Akinwunmu, who emerged the National President of the Environmental Health Officers Association at the delegate conference, promised to prioritize a safer and greener environment through adequate sensitization of the public. 

The delegate conference with the theme ‘Environmental Health Practice in the Face of Democratic Settings in Nigeria’, also had the election of other national officers of the association where Mr Tijani Adegoke was elected as General Secretary and Mr Sefiudeen Awonuga as Deputy National President among others. 

Mosope Kehinde

Health

LASG Dedicates 2020 Tree Planting Day to Frontline Health Workers

By Web News 832

The Lagos State Government has planted trees simultaneously at four COVID-19 isolations centers to honour health workers and commemorate this year’s Tree Planting Day in the State.

In 2008, the state Government designated July 14TH as Tree Planting Day and backed it up with a legislation in 2011 as part of its commitment to a green and sustainable environment

While Governor Sanwo-Olu performed the ceremony at the Infectious Disease Hospital Yaba, IDH, the Deputy Governor, Doctor Obafemi Hamzat was at Gbagada General Hospital, while the wife of the Governor and that of the Deputy Governor did the same at Onikan and Landmark Isolation Centers.

In his remarks at the IDH, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that this would be the third time the State is acknowledging the sacrifices being made by Healthworkers.

Noting that COVID-19 cannot be an excuse for not paying attention to preexisting issues, Governor Sanwo-Olu promised that his administration would continue to work toward achieving  the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly in combating climate change.

“You will agree with me that we can draw parallels between the protective role trees play in the environment, and the roles of our health workers in protecting us from diseases and pandemics. It is therefore fitting that we are planting trees today to celebrate and support our health workers. And just as these trees will long outlive us, the heroic feats and sacrifices of our frontline health workers will also never be forgotten, even long after the pandemic is behind us.

We do not have a back-up planet, so we must treat the Earth with respect and dignity” the Governor said

In an address of welcome, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello explained that the State chose the four major isolation centers as ceremonial sites for this year’s tree planting day celebrations as they were very significant in view of this year’s  theme which is  “Trees for Life”.

His counterpart in the Ministry of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi noted that Tree Planting is part of the One Health initiative as trees gives sustenance.

The Tree Planting Day was also marked in the fifty seven Local Governments and council Development Areas in Lagos.

Omolara Omosanya