The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised an ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning that the intervention could further complicate efforts to resolve the dispute.
In a statement on Monday, the NMA said the threat of nationwide industrial action by the labour centres was unnecessary and risked worsening tensions in the already strained health sector. The association urged all parties to allow ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and JOHESU to run their course.
JOHESU, an umbrella body for health workers excluding doctors, had embarked on a strike over issues including salary structures, allowances and alleged marginalisation within the health system. In response, the NLC and TUC issued an ultimatum demanding that the government meet JOHESU’s demands or face broader labour action.
The NMA said while workers have a right to press for improved welfare, industrial actions that disrupt healthcare delivery ultimately place patients at risk. It called for dialogue, transparency and adherence to existing agreements to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
The association also appealed to the Federal Government to intensify engagement with JOHESU and other stakeholders to address grievances promptly and sustainably.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the NLC nor the TUC had responded to the NMA’s remarks.
