The ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has entered its third month, paralysing services in federal hospitals across Nigeria, leaving patients stranded and forcing many to seek care outside public health facilities.
Critical services, including hospital pharmacies, laboratories, and other support departments, have been largely grounded, significantly disrupting healthcare delivery.
While the strike has affected federal health institutions, staff in state-owned hospitals in Ekiti and Benue states have largely remained on duty, helping to mitigate the impact on patients. Resident doctors, nurses, and midwives in some state facilities, including Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, have launched separate industrial actions citing unpaid salaries, pension issues, and dilapidated infrastructure.
At the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, doctors and nurses reported for duty, but other health workers stayed away.
Ayodeji Ogunrinu, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Ekiti State Council, and immediate past JOHESU chairman at FETHI, described the strike as unfortunate.
“It has deprived many, not just members of the communities, but also staff who would have received medical services to save their lives. That is why I said it is very unfortunate,” he said, emphasising that all workers in any health facility, including cleaners and health assistants, are essential.
Ogunrinu lamented that the hospital now resembled a “ghost town,” lacking water, electricity, drugs, laboratories, and other essential services, making it difficult to admit patients. He urged the Federal Government to implement the 2018 circular from the Ministry of Labour concerning the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS) for JOHESU members, the basis of the ongoing strike that began in late 2025.
At Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti, JOHESU members have continued to work as a mark of respect for Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Adewale Adeosun, acting JOHESU chairman at the facility, said patient turnout had increased, with many who would have gone to federal hospitals now seeking care at EKSUTH.
Oluwafemi Ajoloko, JOHESU state chairman, expressed hope that the Federal Government would approve an upward adjustment of CONHESS within one to two weeks. He noted that while federal hospitals remain on strike, staff at state-owned hospitals and primary health centres have continued to work, increasing their workload.
At Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, operations have scaled down significantly. Some doctors, speaking on condition of anonymity, said few services have been rendered since the strike began.
Abdullateef Adeyeni, JOHESU chairman at OAUTHC, said the hospital has lost an estimated N1.5 billion in internally generated revenue over the three-month strike. He also accused the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ai Pate, of being nonchalant toward the union’s demands.
“Our Chief Medical Director said the hospital has been losing a minimum of N500 million per month. Patients are suffering, and the Federal Government has turned a deaf ear,” Adeyeni said.
The strike continues to severely affect healthcare delivery in federal institutions nationwide, raising concerns about patient welfare and medical training.
