Ondo nurses threaten strike action

Ondo State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, (NANNM) has given the state government 15 days to meet some of its demands or risk industrial action.

The demands include implementation of upward review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS)  

The association in a statement signed by the state Chairman, Orobode Felix, and the Secretary, Ayenioye Olabisi said the conversion of nurses in the state after acquiring the required certificates has suffered a setback.

It said a lot of its members have been wrongly placed while some were demoted in the name of conversion.

According to the letter, “We call for the prompt implementation of lateral conversion and redress of the last exercise held in 2022.

“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.

“We request immediate payment of four months outstanding arrears of hazard allowance owed to our nurses.

“The state government is yet to commence the payment of the promised uniform allowance to nurses just as applicable with the federal government.

“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 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” the statement added.