Ondo Nurses threaten strike over poor welfare, infrastructure

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ondo State Council has given the State government a 15-day ultimatum to meet its members’ pressing concerns or face an industrial action.

The ultimatum is contained in a letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and signed by the State Chairman of the Association, Comrade Orobode Felix and the State Secretary, Comrade Ayenioye Olabisi, on Tuesday in Akure.

In the letter titled “A OTICE OF 15 DAYS ULTIMATUM”, the association lamented that its previous demands and concerns were ignored by the governor and “received no attention from your office.”

The letter read: “The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ondo State Council is a professional cum-trade union saddled with the responsibility required in making nursing profession more responsive to the health needs of individuals, families and communities, while protecting the broad interests of our members before contemporary professions, employers and the public at large.

“It is with deep respect and a sense of duty that we address this letter to your esteemed office, that nursing profession is no way inferior to other profession in health care services.

“This is because several of our demands made to your esteemed offices in our previous letters dated (9th August, 2022; 22nd January, 2024; and 6th May, 2024), respectively received no attention from your office.

“Nevertheless, Nurses have long been the backbone of the health sector in Ondo State through tireless dedication and selflessness, we continue to provide exceptional care to the citizens, even in the face of growing challenges such as mass staff attrition to mention few.

“Despite these difficulties, nurses in Ondo State remain committed to delivering the best possible healthcare services, day and night. However, our efforts have not been reciprocated with adequate attention to our welfare from the government.

“Sir, for the purpose of references the demand that nurses and midwives have been begging your attention for are listed below for your immediate consideration.

“100% CONHESS: we sought for the approval and implementation of 100% CONHESS as it is been paid by all neighboring state to reduce migration within Nigeria.

“Upward Review of CONHESS: We requested a 25% upward review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for nurses, to match the adjustments made at the federal level, just as the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) was reviewed for medical doctors and same is being paid, we believe that the welfare of nurses deserves equal attention.

“Lateral Conversion: Your excellency sir, conversion of nurses in Ondo State after acquiring the required certificates has suffered huge set-back, a lot of our members have been wrongly placed while some were demoted in the name of conversion. We call for the prompt implementation of lateral conversion and redress of the last exercise held in 2022 (NCE 2016, page 2, Item 3B).

“Immediate Employment of Nursing Personnel: There is an urgent need for the recruitment of additional nursing personnel across health facilities in the state. The current shortage is leading to significant burnout among our nurses, which poses a risk to patient care and the well-being of our members.

“Payment of Hazard Allowance Arrears: We request the immediate payment of four months outstanding arrears of hazard allowance owed to our nurses, who continue to work under hazardous conditions without due compensation.

“Commencement of Uniform Allowance Payment: The state government is yet to commence the payment of the promised uniform allowance to nurses just as applicable with the federal government. We urge you to address this oversight and begin payment without further delay. Annex E (Public Service Rules 2008 pg 102130127a)

“Security Challenges within the health sector: needs to be braced up by equipping the health facilities with adequate security to protect the lives of both patent and the workers.

“Upward review of allowances for corper Nurses within the health sector in Ondo State.

“We believe that the prompt resolution of these issues is vital to maintaining a motivated and efficient nursing workforce in Ondo State.

“In this regard, we hereby issue a 15-day ultimatum, starting from 12 midnight of 8th October, 2024, for the state government to address our demands.

“Failure to address these demands leaves us with no option but to consider industrial action. We remain committed to dialogue and partnership with the government in our pursuit of improved healthcare services in Ondo State. We trust that Your Excellency will act swiftly to avert any disruption in the healthcare system.

“Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to these pressing matters.”