By Kamilu Lawal, Katsina.
Health workers in Katsina State, under the umbrella of the Assembly of Health Workers, have threatened to embark on strike if the state government fails to address their welfare concerns and outstanding demands within 21 days.
The Chairman of the Assembly, Comrade Ibrahim A. Balange, issued the ultimatum at a press conference in Katsina, saying the workers had been patient with the government but could no longer continue to wait indefinitely for their demands to be addressed.
The Assembly comprises the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN).
Balange said the unions had held several meetings with the government at different levels and submitted documents detailing their demands, but had yet to receive a concrete response.
He said the workers were demanding the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers in the state, in line with what obtains for their counterparts in the federal health sector.
The workers also demanded the removal of CONHESS Grade Level 10, as well as a review of the Hazard Allowance and other allowances, including those for health workers serving in rural areas.
They further called for an upward review of allowances for nurses and other health professionals, in accordance with provisions contained in their conditions of service.
Balange expressed concern over what he described as the prolonged delay in addressing the workers’ legitimate demands, despite several engagements with the government.
He urged the state government to urgently review all the allowances contained in the unions’ demands and take appropriate steps to resolve the issues.
He warned that failure to address the grievances within the 21-day ultimatum would leave the health workers with no option but to embark on a general strike across the state.
