Ondo Nurses Give Strike Notice Over Failed Promises

By Ayodele Oni

Coming few days after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State berated the health policy of the present administration, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, has (NANNM) given the government 15 days to meet some of its demands.

The demands include implementation of Upward Review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, (CONHESS).

The notice reads “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.

“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.

“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.”