The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has suspended its strike at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, following the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The strike, which began on September 16, was called off on September 22, after the ministry agreed to intervene in the dispute over the status of Dr. Adeyinka Ishola, Director of Pharmaceutical Services. The union had been protesting the redeployment of Dr. Ishola as Head of Unit, a move they considered a demotion.
The NUAHP National Administrative Council directed the suspension of the strike to allow the ministry to resolve the dispute decisively. In a letter to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the union stated that the notice of suspension would serve as a strike ultimatum if the matter remained unresolved after two weeks. The union is demanding the unconditional reinstatement of Dr. Ishola as Director and Head of Pharmaceutical Services, arguing that his redeployment was inconsistent with the recommendations of a panel of enquiry and the Scheme of Service for Pharmacists.
The dispute centers on the redeployment of Dr. Ishola, who was previously serving as Director of Pharmaceutical Services at UCH. The union claims that his redeployment to a lower position was a punitive action, while the hospital management argues that it was a routine administrative decision. The NUAHP has expressed hope that the ministry would take prompt action to resolve the dispute, emphasizing its commitment to industrial harmony.
If the matter is not resolved within the two-week ultimatum, the NUAHP has warned that it could embark on a nationwide solidarity strike. The union's General Secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanubi, signed the letter to the ministry, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the dispute. The NUAHP's threat of a nationwide strike comes amid concerns about the impact of industrial actions on the country's healthcare system.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has intervened in the dispute, with the Coordinating Minister expected to play a key role in resolving the matter. The ministry's intervention is seen as a move to prevent a nationwide strike and its potential consequences on the healthcare system. The NUAHP's demands have been supported by various stakeholders, who are urging the government to address the concerns of health workers.
The strike by NUAHP is the latest in a series of industrial actions by health workers in Nigeria, who have been demanding better working conditions, improved salaries, and addressing other concerns. The NUAHP's suspension of its strike and the two-week ultimatum to the government have raised hopes of a swift resolution to the dispute. However, if the matter is not resolved, it could lead to another nationwide strike by health workers.
The NUAHP's decision to suspend its strike and issue an ultimatum to the government has been seen as a strategic move to pressure the authorities to address its demands. The union's actions have drawn attention to the plight of health workers in Nigeria, who are seeking better working conditions and improved services for patients. The government's response to the ultimatum will be crucial in determining the next course of action for the NUAHP.
Key points
- NUAHP suspends strike at UCH, Ibadan, issues 2-week ultimatum to FG over Dr. Adeyinka Ishola's reinstatement.
- Union demands unconditional reinstatement of Dr. Ishola as Director and Head of Pharmaceutical Services.
- NUAHP threatens nationwide solidarity strike if ultimatum is not met.
