Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), has urged the Federal Government to address pressing issues and challenges in the health sector through massive recruitment of health professionals across healthcare industries in the country.
Dr. Ogbonna Obinna, in his message to mark Workers Day 2023, mentioned that the Union is not pleased with the way the Federal Government is handling issues affecting them, especially on the execution of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS.
He said that the report was adjusted in 2014 but nothing has been done on its execution till now, which shows an unfulfilled promise and breach of agreement between the Federal Government and the health workers.
“The Union calls on the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, to direct the Federal Ministry of Health to forward the technical committee report on adjustment of CONHESS for implementation as his parting gift to the health workers in Nigeria.
“The Union is dismayed by the delay in the implementation of the Pharmacist consultant cadre since the Circular was issued in 2020 by the Head of Service of the Federation.
“The Union is particularly angered by the impunity exhibited by most of the Chief Executive Officers in the Federal Health Institutions (FHIs) who have refused to implement the Circular with the backing of the Federal Minister of Health.
“The Union demands its immediate implementation and calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to mandate the Minister of Health, Dr. Ohanire Osagie to ensure these Chief Executive Officers commence implementation of the Circular forthwith.
“The Union frowned seriously at the delay in the consideration and passage of the Bill for an Act to amend the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc) Cap U15, Laws of the Federations of Nigeria, 2004 by the National Assembly. The Union considered this delay as a calculated attempt by certain interests who are perpetually averse to sustainable industrial harmony in the health sector to frustrate the Bill and ensure it does not sail through the 9th National Assembly.
“The Union calls on the Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives to direct the two chambers Committees on Health Institutions to expedite action on its passage and pass it to the President for assent for industrial harmony and social justice in the health sector.
”The Union is still saddened by the non-inclusion of health sector unions and other healthcare professional associations, especially the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals in the Presidential Committee on Health Sector Reform Chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo.
