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Tag: Health workers

  • Lagos to monitor training of council health workers

    Lagos to monitor training of council health workers

    The Lagos State Government has announced plans to strengthen the monitoring and continuous training of frontline health workers in local government health facilities under Lagos State Health District IV, as part of efforts to improve primary healthcare delivery.

    The plan was made known at the Annual Management Retreat of Health District IV held in Lagos.

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    The retreat brought together senior officials, including permanent secretaries, heads of departments, medical officers of health from local governments and local council development areas, unit heads and other members of staff, to review strategies for improving service delivery at the grassroots.

    Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said effective healthcare delivery depends largely on the performance of frontline workers at local government level, stressing the need for regular monitoring and structured training.

  • Strike looms as health workers’ ultimatum nears expiration

    Strike looms as health workers’ ultimatum nears expiration

    A nationwide disruption of health services is looming as the 15-day ultimatum by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to the Federal Government expires on November 14. 

    JOHESU, which comprises the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals (SSAUTH), Research Institutes and Associated Institutions and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, represents over 85 percent of health workforce.

    A strike by the group would cripple diagnostic, pharmaceutical and administrative services across public hospitals, forcing facilities to scale down or suspend operations. 

    Patients may face difficulties accessing essential services while maternal, child and emergency care may deteriorate significantly.

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    In a letter to the Ministers of Health and Labour by National Chairman Ado Kabiru and National Secretary Martins Egbanubi, JOHESU accused the government of failing to honour the Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 29, 2024. 

    The MoU, it said, promised the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in line with doctors’ pay under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

    The union lamented that despite President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in 2023 and several conciliation meetings, “no progress has been made, largely due to the inactivity of the Presidential Committee on Salaries since August 2023.” 

    It also decried alleged discriminatory treatment at a recent tripartite meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, claiming its representatives were denied the chance to present their case.

    Accusing the government of insensitivity, JOHESU warned it would have “no option but to resume its suspended strike of October 30, 2024, if the issues remain unresolved.”

    The warning follows similar concerns raised by the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), which at its 51st National Executive Council meeting in Abuja warned that Nigeria’s health system is “on the brink of collapse” unless urgent steps are taken to address brain drain, insecurity, and chronic underfunding.

    In a communiqué by MHWUN President Dr. Kabiru Sani and Secretary-General Auwalu Kiyawa, the NEC described Nigeria’s health system as “far from the sector of our dream,” citing poor infrastructure, inadequate personnel, and low public investment. 

    It urged the Federal Government to “prioritize workers’ welfare and commit more resources to strengthen the system.”

    The union lamented worsening inflation and economic hardship that have eroded workers’ purchasing power and called for policies that reduce reliance on imports. 

    It warned that the mass exodus of health professionals has crippled care delivery, with over 60,000 nurses and 19,000 doctors leaving Nigeria in the last two decades.

    Sani described the migration as “a rational response to a system that fails to reward diligence or guarantee dignity,” urging the government to create incentives that make working in Nigeria worthwhile. 

    He condemned government’s failure to meet the 15 percent health budget target of the 2001 Abuja Declaration, calling it “unacceptable.”

    The NEC also cited insecurity, displacement, and climate impacts as threats to national stability, urging the government to declare a national emergency on flooding, food shortages, and disease outbreaks.

    On internal matters, Sani announced that the union had implemented a ₦70,000 minimum wage for its staff, cleared deduction arrears, and ensured pension payments. 

    “A sustainable health system must be built on respect for collective agreements,” Sani stressed, warning that neglecting signed pacts undermines industrial peace.

    In his remarks at the meeting, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero blamed the crisis on policies that prioritize profit over people.

    “Our health sector continues to bleed because the government prefers to die abroad rather than fix the system here,” he said.

    Ajaero urged MHWUN to rally all health unions under JOHESU for stronger collective action,” insisting that only radical and organized mobilization can save the sector. 

    He also called for greater worker participation in politics ahead of 2027, warning, “Without labour’s influence in policymaking, the cycle of decay will continue.”

  • FG moves to avert strike, begins release of ₦11.9b for health workers’ arrears

    FG moves to avert strike, begins release of ₦11.9b for health workers’ arrears

    The Federal Government is set to release ₦11.995 billion within 72 hours to clear outstanding arrears, including accoutrement allowances owed to health workers, it has emerged.

    It also confirmed the full payment of ₦10.6 billion for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to resident doctors nationwide.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, said the payments reflect President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving doctors’ welfare and sustaining industrial harmony across the health sector.

    Salako reaffirmed this during a meeting between the Ministry’s management and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), following recent agitations over welfare and professional concerns.

    According to Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director and Head of Operations, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry in a statement on Saturday, the Minister confirmed the commencement of the payment of seven months’ arrears of the 25 and 35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to all categories of health workers.

    He said ₦10 billion was paid in August 2025, while another ₦21.3 billion has been transferred to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) account for further disbursement.

    According to him, the government also granted special waivers to enable massive recruitment of healthcare professionals across federal tertiary institutions to address shortages caused by brain drain. 

    Over 20,000 health workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied professionals, were employed in 2024, with another 15,000 already approved for recruitment in 2025, Salako affirmed.

    To strengthen dialogue and resolve welfare issues, he said the Ministry has engaged Prof. Dafe Otobo, an industrial relations expert, to mediate between government and the unions. 

    Prof. Otobo, he said, has held meetings with the unions individually and collectively, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, to fast-track consensus on allowances, salary relativity, and other contentious matters.

    On the dismissal of five doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, the Minister clarified that three who did not appear before a properly constituted disciplinary panel have been offered reabsorption into service, adding that the remaining two cases have been referred to Prof. Otobo for review.

    Addressing the controversy over certificate categorization, the Minister explained that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) reclassified, rather than downgraded, certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical College. Consultations are ongoing with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) to resolve any differences.

    He added that delays in promotions and payment processing are largely due to technical issues within IPPIS, but discussions are ongoing with relevant agencies to address them.

    “Our health workforce is the foundation of Nigeria’s healthcare reform. Every policy and investment under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative is anchored on their well-being and motivation,” the Minister said.

    Through these measures, payment of arrears, recruitment, and sustained engagement, Salako said the Federal Government remains committed to protecting health workers’ welfare and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare across the country.

  • FG warns health workers against diversion as medical equipment rollout begins nationwide

    FG warns health workers against diversion as medical equipment rollout begins nationwide

    The Federal Government has cautioned frontline health workers against diverting or misusing medical equipment and essential drugs being distributed to primary health care centres across the country.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja during the official flag off of medical equipment and essential drugs distribution to primary health centers (PHCs) across the country. 

    The initiative, he said, is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s primary health care system and expand access to quality services.

    Pate stressed that accountability and dedication remain critical to the success of the programme. “We will not stand idly by while these resources are misused. 

    “Any frontline worker, any health facility manager, any local government or state official, or even federal official that diverts anything that is deployed to serve our people, will face consequences,” he declared.

    Explaining why the warning became necessary, the Minister lamented that Nigeria’s primary health care centres had been neglected for too long, he said, “For too long, our primary health care centers have languished. They are not very functional in many areas. 

    “Our mothers have to travel long distances for delivery, and many of them die in the process. Children missed their vaccinations. Communities didn’t have much hope”.

    He emphasized that the flag-off of the distribution was more than a ceremonial event, emphasizing, “This is not just an event, but it is also a promise kept. Two years ago, we embarked on an ambitious effort to revitalize the primary health care system, setting targets, and now we are seeing that promise being kept”.

    The Minister underscored the importance of revitalizing PHCs to improve health outcomes, especially in underserved communities. While acknowledging progress made in rebuilding facilities, he stressed the need to equip them fully. 

    “I’m glad to hear from the Executive Director that we’ve made a lot of progress in terms of the physical infrastructure. But we also have to equip them, which is what we are doing, stock them with the essential medicines, have the frontline health workers, and make them centers that communities can trust,” he said.

    Pate also recognized the role of international partners in supporting the programme. “We appreciate the support of our development partners who have believed in this nationally-owned effort and have contributed their time, their technical and financial resources,” he said, mentioning GAVI, the Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA among others.

    Reiterating the government’s resolve, he said, “Today’s flag-off is further proof that the Nigerian health system can rise again, and proof that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is real. Let us join together to build a health system that leaves no Nigerian behind.”

    The Executive Director (ED) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, gave an update on the progress achieved so far, stressing that the agency has made headway in refurbishing facilities, expanding access to power, and training frontline staff.

    “We have 1,295 primary health centers that have been completely refurbished, in terms of the buildings. We have installed solar power in 38 PHCs across the country, and we are working in partnership with the SWAP office and our sister agency, the NHIA, to revitalize CMON sites,” Aina said.

    He further disclosed that more than 69,000 health workers had been trained and provided with uniforms and work kits, “In partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, we have provided kits to these health workers across the zones,” he said.

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    The ED also revealed that states are also beginning to complement federal efforts by hiring additional staff, noting, “Kaduna, for example, has recruited 216 skilled health attendants and 969 community-based health workers”.

    On maternal and child health, Aina explained that progress is being recorded under the Maternal and Child Health Initiative (MAMI). 

    “411,000 pregnant women have been enrolled across 21 states, and 30,587 of them have received specific care, including antenatal care and referral for diagnostics,” he said, adding that significant resources have already been deployed into the revitalization drive. 

    “We have spent over nine billion Naira on equipment, and over 14 billion Naira on health commodities,” Aina said.

    The NPHCDA boss encouraged state governments to sustain the momentum by allocating more resources to staffing and equipping health centres. 

    He also called on citizens to embrace upcoming immunization campaigns, saying, “We hope to reach 109 million Nigerians aged up to 14 years old, and the idea is that the measles vaccine they will get, those that are eligible for polio vaccines will get, other interventions like nutrition, like malaria commodities, we’re integrating it”.

  • Health workers to FG: Address salary delay or risk nationwide strike

    Health workers to FG: Address salary delay or risk nationwide strike

    The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has urged the federal government to immediately pay outstanding salary arrears, warning that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide strike that may paralyse the health sector.

    In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held Tuesday in Jos, Plateau state, the union expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay in implementing the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which has been pending for years despite repeated promises.

    In a statement, jointly signed by NUAHP President Kamal Ibrahim and General Secretary Martin Egbanubi, the union criticised the government for failing to match the salary review granted to medical doctors under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) with a similar adjustment for other health professionals.

    “Since 2014, the government has adjusted salaries for medical practitioners but failed to replicate the same for other healthcare workers, thereby violating the collective bargaining agreement that established parity between CONMESS and CONHESS,” the union stated.

    The union reminded the government of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 29, 2024, which led to the suspension of an earlier nationwide strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). However, they lamented that the government has not fulfilled its commitments under the agreement.

    “NEC-in-Session warns about the implications of resuming the suspended strike action on the health sector and the nation in general if the Federal Government fails to urgently address this matter, which is a dispute of right,” the communiqué stated.

    They also called on President Bola Tinubu to fulfil the assurance he gave JOHESU leaders during a meeting at Aso Rock on June 5, 2023, by directing relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, particularly the Presidential Committee on Salaries, to urgently resolve the matter to ensure lasting industrial peace.

    NUAHP further demanded the immediate payment of seven months’ salary arrears, covering June to December 2023.

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    They noted that these payments were already captured in the 2024 budget and the proposed 2025 budget, yet remain unpaid.

    “NEC described as unacceptable the delay in payment, which it considered a breach of the October 2024 MoU and the resolution reached on December 20, 2024,” the statement added. “NEC therefore demands the payment of these arrears without further delay to avert industrial action.”

    The union also raised concerns about the rising cost of living and the worsening welfare of healthcare workers, which they said is contributing to a wave of emigration among professionals in the sector.

    To stem the tide, NUAHP urged the government to introduce incentives such as tax relief on clinical duties, including call duty, shift duty, and teaching allowances, and to implement a retention allowance to encourage health professionals to remain in the country.

    “These measures are necessary to cushion the harsh economic conditions and reduce the ongoing brain drain in the healthcare sector,” the statement concluded.

  • Kaduna to recruit 1,800 health workers

    Kaduna to recruit 1,800 health workers

    Governor Uba Sani has approved the recruitment of 1,800 staff to fill the personnel gaps across all the Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Kaduna State.

    A statement by the Commissioner of Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmad, on Thursday, stated that the recruitment will strengthen the State’s leading role in Primary Health Care.

    According to Hajiya Umma, the recruitment will  directly address the gaps in Human Resources at the facilities, leading to a significant reduction in  maternal and child mortalities,  as well as improve  the well-being of Kaduna  citizens.

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    The statement recalled there is an ongoing revitalization of 255 PHC facilities, provision of state-of-the art equipment and  distribution of essential drugs across the state.

    Umma disclosed that  all the 255 Primary Healthcare Centers in Kaduna State will be remodelled and upgraded to Level 2 status as part of Sani  administration’s overhaul of the health sector.

    According to her, the upgraded PHCs will undertake management of uncomplicated diabetes, uncomplicated hypertension, resuscitation of severe asthma  and assisted delivery as well as other essential services.

    The Commissioner added that the Governor Uba Sani administration has been giving the health sector the desired attention since it assumed office on May 29, 2023.

  • Group joins FG’s health workers’ retention, capacity-building drive

    Group joins FG’s health workers’ retention, capacity-building drive

    The Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP) has trained over 3,000 health workers in support of the federal government’s health sector revitalization efforts, it emerged on Wednesday.

    The initiative, whose goal was to hoi forces with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, also aims to build capacity and address the ongoing migration of critical health professionals from the country. 

    GHWP, led by Ducit Blue Solutions and supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), is fostering a resilient healthcare workforce and promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through strategic partnerships across Nigeria, according to Estelle Mbadiwe, the In-Country Coordinator said. 

    Speaking at the GHWP Sharing and Learning event in Abuja, Mbadiwe emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping national priorities for health workforce development.

    She highlighted the health partnership model, which has facilitated bilateral learning, allowing Nigeria to adopt global best practices while sharing its own experiences. 

    According to her, a key element of the initiative is the training-of-trainers model, ensuring that expertise is transferred across a broader network of professionals for long-term sustainability.

    “The programme has trained 2,577 healthcare workers, with 62% being female and 867 male. These workers have been equipped with skills in clinical care, gender equity, social inclusion, and leadership development.

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    “Post-training assessments show that 92% of the participants demonstrated improved knowledge and skills. 

    “Beyond training, the initiative has enhanced healthcare education through pre-training curricula focused on sexual and renal healthcare, expanded nursing training, and improved breast cancer care management through multidisciplinary team training.

    “Mentorship networks have also been established, such as the Early Childhood Development Program, which connects UK professionals with local healthcare workers at Dr. Miyamoto University Institute.

    “The Breast Cancer Care Program has trained professionals who now support a national network in cancer care. 

    “Over 1,000 healthcare workers have received specialist clinical training in areas such as emergency obstetric and rheumatology care.

    “The programme has also contributed to strengthening HIV data systems and optimizing health worker distribution strategies”.

    Noting that the GHWP is addressing the mass migration of health workers from Nigeria, she said, “One of Nigeria’s most pressing healthcare challenges is the migration of trained professionals, commonly referred to as the “Japa” syndrome.

    “That is why the programme acknowledged the issue. By working closely with regulatory bodies and the Ministry of Health, the initiative aims to create an enabling environment that enhances the well-being of medical professionals, ensuring that they remain in the country to deliver quality healthcare.

    “While the programme contributes to mitigating workforce shortages, it is not a standalone solution to the migration crisis but part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare retention. 

    “By focusing on training, knowledge-sharing, and professional development, the initiative is not only addressing immediate workforce gaps but also laying the foundation for a resilient and well-equipped healthcare system in Nigeria.”

    Toyin Saraki, Founder/President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa and former First Lady of Kwara State stressed the programme’s importance in collaboration bridging critical gaps in the healthcare sector.

    She said partnerships towards repositioning the nation’s health sector are crucial.

    According to her, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a critical partner in the GHWP, in partnership with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, has established two national centres of excellence in Lagos and Abuja, focused on advanced obstetric and surgical training.

    The centres aim to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce at a specialized level, complementing government efforts, she added. 

    “Given Nigeria’s vast population of over 220 million, all contributions toward healthcare capacity building are invaluable. 

    “The success of past training programmes, such as the emergency obstetric and newborn care training launched in 2015, underscores the potential of these interventions.

    “Previous initiatives in States like Kwara have demonstrated a tangible impact, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality while improving overall healthcare outcomes.

    “Concerns regarding healthcare worker retention remain a focal point of discussion.

    “That is the reason this programme emphasizes continuous professional development as a key factor in keeping trained professionals in Nigeria.

    “Encouragingly, none of the health workers trained under the Wellbeing Foundation Africa initiative have migrated, a testament to the program’s effectiveness in fostering career satisfaction and professional growth.

    “Also, the involvement of the Nigeria Liaison Group of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has facilitated valuable knowledge exchange, encouraging experts in the diaspora to contribute to Nigeria’s healthcare development”.

    In her remarks, Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, (MDCN), commended the GWHP initiative for its focus on health workers’ capacity building and development.

    She emphasized the need to address the mass migration of health workers, highlighting key strategies to tackle the issue, saying, “Beyond addressing migration challenges, we must also harness our global networks, engaging Nigerian doctors and dentists abroad while supporting those who remain by enhancing their tools, research opportunities, and professional development.”

  • Health workers’ migration dangerous to healthcare system, says Reps’ committee

    Health workers’ migration dangerous to healthcare system, says Reps’ committee

    • Minister warn against duplication of health institutions

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, Amos Gwamna Magaji, has said the migration of Nigerian health workers to other countries in the search for greener pastures portends a big threat to the nation’s healthcare system.

    Magaji said this as the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, warned against duplication of health institutions across the country.

    He said it would be counter-productive to duplicate healthcare institutions, especially in this era of scarce resources.

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    Speaking at a public hearing on 16 Bills for the establishment of one health institution or the other, Magaji said: “The need to reposition the healthcare sector to meet numerous emerging challenges is crucial to its improvement. To succeed in this era, a system that is well invested in human resources and medical intelligence as the backbone of the health sector is required. The administrative appointment of capable persons based on merit in hospital management also has a role to play.

    “Proper human resource management is critical to providing high-quality health care. Effective human resource management strategies are critical for improving healthcare outcomes and access in Nigeria.

    “As arguably the most important of the health system inputs, the performance and benefits the system can deliver depend largely on the knowledge, skills, and motivation of those responsible for providing health services. It goes without saying, therefore, that this aspect of our health sector must be invested in to ensure a thriving and performing sector.

    “The structural quality of a health system is heavily influenced by its healthcare infrastructure. As we carried out oversight functions to healthcare institutions across the country since the inauguration of this committee, what are undeniably evident are infrastructural deficiencies of health services, lack of equipment resulting largely from inadequate funding of health institutions by the government, and a total lack of maintenance culture for equipment provided.”

    Prof. Pate said health sector research, including that of the cardiology, was already taking place in many fronts across Nigeria.

    The minister said the Bill seeking the establishment of a cardiovascular institute would put an additional financial burden on the government, if the law scaled through.

    He told the hearing that the government was reducing the cost of governance by pruning down its agencies.

    Represented by a director in the ministry, Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salahudeen, the minister said the ministry remained enthusiastic and supportive of every effort to ensure growth and progress in the health sector.

    According to him, while the ministry appreciates the effort of the House of the Representative in deepening healthcare services, including training and research in the country, the suggested cardiovascular research institute is not more important than having any other institute for treating non-communicable diseases to warrant the establishment of the proposed National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Research and Treatment Centre in Kano.

    He said: “All the Federal Teaching Hospitals (FTHs) and Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) in Nigeria, including those in the Northwest, already have the mandate of Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research and Training of Health care professional, including medical doctors who are specialist in the management of cardiovascular diseases and other related cases,

    “The Federal Teaching Hospitals in the Northwest include: Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital in Kano State; Anmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State; Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto; the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina; the FMC at Azare in Bauchi State; the FMC at Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State; FMC in Birnin Kudu in Jigawa State; and the FMC at Gusau in Zamfara State.

    “These aforementioned existing FTHs’ cardiovascular units have not been overstretched nor reportedly underserving the people in the geopolitical zone. In addition, other state tertiary hospitals in this zone complement the effort of the FTHs in responding to some of the specialised cardiovascular cases in this region. These hospitals have not been reported to be underserving the people.

    “Furthermore, there is the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) at Yaba in Lagos, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, that has been coordinating medical research in the country as it is obtainable in other parts of the world, including the United States (U.S.A.), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Ghana, Senegal, among others.

    “Colleges of Health Technology are established to ensure the training of middle-level health professionals in various fields of health practices. For example: Nursing, Radiography, Dental Therapy and Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, amongst others.

    “The establishment of Federal College of Health Technology at Song in Adamawa State will provide opportunity for the eligible citizens and the people of Adamawa State to have access to health education, leading to the training of more health professionals that will improve the health workforce of the state with a view to curbing the health challenges of people in the grassroots. The establishment of the college will further boost economic activities of the area where it is cited.’

    Commenting on the dangers that the migration of healthcare professionals posed to the health sector, Prof. Pate said: “The migration of health workers and the epidemics and their emerging trend underscore the need for Nigeria to have enough and efficient health workforce that will be readily available when there are any health emergencies.

    “The Federal Ministry of Health has no objection to the establishment of the proposed Federal tertiary health institutions. However, this should be based on merit, considering geographical spread, burden of disease in the proposed location, population density as well as support from the host community and other stakeholders.

    “The existing cardiovascular unit in Federal tertiary hospitals should be strengthened. Government should ensure adequate medical manpower, especially during this period of massive brain drain in the country, and adequate funding of existing cardiology units in all FTHs.

    “It is pertinent to note that there already exist in Adamawa State, the College of Health Technology at Michika and a College of Health Technology at Mubi, but they are state-owned.

    “The Federal Ministry of Health is not averse to the establishing the Federal College of Health Technology at Askira-Uba, as it will further boost the training and availability of health professional response to emergencies, However, health technology is within the purview of the state.”

  • C’River Rep organises free medical outreach for constituents after training health workers 

    C’River Rep organises free medical outreach for constituents after training health workers 

    Thousands on Wednesday thronged various health centres in Abi and Yakurr Local Government Areas of Cross River State to benefit from the comprehensive free medical outreach facilitated for them by their representative in the House of Representatives, Dr Alex Egbona.

    The medical outreach is expected to last till Saturday. Apart from medical checks and issuance of drugs, the medical experts drawn from Abuja, Enugu, Abakiliki and Calabar also undertook surgical operations on the people, including eye, hyena and fibroid.  

    It came after health workers in the federal constituency had been trained for three days on maternal and child care by the lawmaker. 

    The outreach, which Egbona said would be an annual event, was flagged off in both Abi and Yakurr In Yakurr LGAs at Agbara and Nko respectively, and will continue in other health centres till Saturday.

    Chairmen of the two local government areas expressed happiness with Egbona for the quality of service he has been rendering to the people of the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency as member of the House of Representatives.

    The chairman of Abi LGA, Chief Bassey Egbala flagged off the outreach at the Ngarabe primary health centre, while his Yakurr counterpart, Hon. Yibala Inyang flagged off the outreach at Nko. The outreach will hold in eight designated primary health centres in the two LGAs and will end on Saturday.

    Speaking shortly after being taken round all the service points at the health centre, chairman of Abi expressed gratitude to Dr Alex Egbona for his sacrificial commitment to the welfare of his people. He said he was proud of the lawmaker’s continued service to the people.

    He had accompanied Egbona to Yakurr, where he joined his colleague for the flag-off. Speaking at Yakurr, Chief Egbala said he was shocked at what he saw in Abi, saying it was the first time in his life to witness such a comprehensive medical outreach.

    He affirmed that Egbona has shown extraordinary love for this people over the years and noted his readiness to partner the lawmaker to attract greater service delivery for the people.

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    Chairman of Yakurr, who also spoke at Nko said Yakurr people were very happy with Dr Egbona for giving life to the people. According to him, by providing free medical service to Yakurr people, Dr Egbona had extended the life span of the masses and deserved to be commended.

    Egbona who expressed satisfaction at the massive turn out and cooperation of patients and the medical team drawn from Abuja, Abakiliki, Calabar and Enugu said he decided to attract facilitate the medical outreach because of the love he has for his people.

    He said it was important for the people to continue to live in peace, support the state and local government authorities and refrain from anything that would provoke communal crisis with neighbouring states, saying a lot more would be attracted to the federal constituency.

    For example, he said already, some of the health centres have been provided with solar energy for 24 hours power supply, while solar street lights have equally been mounted around the various health centres.

    He said plans were underway to construct official quarters for health workers in all the health centres and hinted that in the next few days, medical equipment, treated mosquitoe bed nets, drugs and other facilities will be supplied to the existing health centres.


    Even though the outreach was expected to commence on Wednesday, patients who needed surgery arrived the Agbara health centre where all general surgeries took place on Monday morning. As at Wednesday, no fewer than 70 surgical operations, ranging from hyenia, fibroid and other cases had been done.

  • Kaduna health workers begin indefinite strike over unmet demands

    Kaduna health workers begin indefinite strike over unmet demands

    Health workers in Kaduna State, represented by three prominent professional organizations—the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN)—have initiated an indefinite strike due to the state government’s failure to meet their demands.

    In a joint statement from their respective leaders, Comrade Ishaka Yakubu (NANNM), Mansur S. Halidu (AHAPN), and Comrade Jesse David (AMLSN), the health workers expressed their frustration with the government’s lack of action on their long-standing requests, despite multiple communications and a previously suspended warning strike.

    “We wish to inform the public that we have no other option but to embark on this indefinite strike, following the government’s continued failure to meet our demands,” the statement said.

    The demands include the implementation of the remaining 30% of the 2009 Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers in the Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board, as well as the implementation of the 2021 hazard allowance for the same health bodies.

    Other grievances include the implementation of the 2019 CONHESS at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and the payment of arrears for health workers recruited in 2023.

    The unions also demanded the immediate release of all outstanding promotions and the prompt implementation of these promotions with their accompanying arrears.

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    “Despite suspending our warning strike two months ago in good faith, our members have yet to see any tangible benefits from that action. This shows a clear disregard for the welfare of health workers and the sector at large,” the statement continued.

    The unions however called on the government to act swiftly to fulfill its promises, adding that the strike, though regrettable, was necessary to ensure the rights and welfare of health workers in the state were upheld.

    “The health and well-being of the people of Kaduna State depend on a motivated workforce. We sincerely apologise to the public for any inconvenience this may cause, but the failure of the authorities to honour their agreements has left us with no other choice,” the statement read.