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Nigeria's Nurses and Midwives Embark on 7-Day Warning Strike, Disrupting Public Healthcare

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Nigerian public hospitals have been disrupted as nurses and midwives affiliated with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives-Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) carry out a 7-day warning strike. The strike, which began on July 30, has resulted in the discharge of hundreds of in-patients and the disruption of normal operations at major health facilities. The union's demands, which include reforms in the healthcare sector, better working conditions, and improved professional allowances, have not been met by the Federal Government. The strike has put the lives of many patients in danger, with doctors and medical personnel struggling to attend to those in critical condition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 7-day warning strike by NANNM-FHI has disrupted public healthcare services across Nigeria, with hundreds of in-patients being discharged and normal operations at major health facilities brought to a standstill.
  • The union's demands, which include reforms in the healthcare sector, better working conditions, and improved professional allowances, have not been met by the Federal Government.
  • The strike has put the lives of many patients in danger, with doctors and medical personnel struggling to attend to those in critical condition.
  • NANNM-FHI's National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, stated that the decision to go on strike was driven by longstanding neglect, poor working conditions, and pressure from members who insisted on taking action after over four decades without industrial action.
  • The union is demanding the gazetting of the revised nursing scheme of service, implementation of the Industrial Act of 2012, upward review of professional allowances for nurses and midwives, employment of more nursing personnel, and adequate provision of medical equipment and facilities.
  • The management of BSUTH in Benue has pledged not to join the strike for the sake of IDP patients.
  • In Bayelsa State, public hospitals have also abruptly discharged patients, with primary health centers remaining shut.
  • NANNM-FHI has stated that if their demands are not met after the 7-day warning strike, they will issue a 21-day ultimatum, and if the government fails to respond, they will proceed on an indefinite strike.

Statistics:

  • 9 key demands made by NANNM-FHI, including the implementation of a separate salary scheme for nurses.
  • Over 70% of the workforce in Nigerian hospitals are nurses and midwives, representing the majority of the healthcare personnel.
  • BSUTH in Benue has stated that they will not join the strike for the sake of IDP patients.
  • A source from the hospital reported that most patients are still lying critically ill in the hospital.
  • The management of FMC Yenagoa has mobilised available doctors and senior nursing staff to offer limited services.

Sources:

  • "Nurses Embark on 7-Day Warning Strike, Disrupting Public Healthcare" (Punch Newspaper, July 30)
  • "NANNM-FHI Gives FG 15-Day Ultimatum" (Leadership Newspaper, July 14)
  • "Nurses, Midwives Issue 7-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Unmet Demands" (ThisDay Newspaper, July 30)

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