NGO wants speedy resolution of industrial disputes in health sector

ABUJA – A non-governmental organisation, Health Advocacy Promotion and Partnership By Youths in Nigeria, has called for the speedy resolution of industrial disputes in the country’s health sector.
A statement issued by Dr Femi Akinwumi, Executive Director of the organisation, in Abuja on Monday, decried the incessant strikes by workers in the sector.
According to the statement, Nigerians are worried over the reoccurring industrial action by professional unions in the health sector.
It expressed regrets that the action had worsened the situation in the public health sector as many patients had lost their lives as result of lack of medical attention.
“For the umpteenth time, the ailing public health system in the country has again been paralysed due to the ongoing nationwide strike by the doctors under the aegis of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
“The effects of the ongoing nationwide strike by the doctors are monumental and devastating, many sick children and pregnant women who require urgent attention by the doctors are being denied.[eap_ad_2]
“All over the country, thousands of surgical cases that require surgical operation have been put on hold with dire consequences; this ugly situation we believe must have led to loss of numerous innocent and precious lives.’’
It appealed to relevant government agencies to intervene with a view to finding lasting solution to the impasse.
The statement urged NMA to sheathe their sword in the overall interest of their patients and the downtrodden.
According to the statement, government at all levels need to be proactive in addressing industrial disharmony in heath and allied sectors in order to avert these incessant strikes in the sector.
It stressed the need to convene a “National Health Stakeholders’ conference’’ to discuss and come up with workable solutions to the lingering inter-professional conflicts and poor funding facing the health system.
NAN recalls that NMA had embarked on an indefinite strike on July 1 following the inability of the Federal Government to accede to the demands contained in their “24-request list’’ protest letter. (NAN)[eap_ad_3]