The Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals have announced a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding resolution of outstanding welfare issues.

If these demands are not addressed, the unions plan to resume their suspended strike on October 25, 2024.

This announcement was communicated through a memo directed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, dated October 9, 2024. The memo, titled “Notice of 15 Days Ultimatum and Resumption of Suspended Strike Action,” was signed by Kabiru Minjibir, the National Chairman of JOHESU, and Martin Egbanubi, the National Secretary.

The unions, which include various health worker organizations such as the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, highlighted several unresolved issues that led to a previous strike from May 19 to June 6, 2023.

Among the key issues raised in the memo are demands for adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, similar to those made for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure since January 2014.

Other demands include establishing a consultant cadre for pharmacists in federal health institutions, increasing the retirement age for health workers and consultants, and addressing payment discrepancies related to professional regulatory councils.

The unions expressed frustration over the government's lack of response to their concerns, emphasizing that their previous patience and maturity have been overlooked. They indicated that if their demands remain unmet after a seven-day warning strike starting October 25, they would have no choice but to initiate an indefinite strike.