Nurses under the University College Hospital (UCH) chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) on Wednesday joined the nationwide seven-day warning strike declared by the association’s national leadership.
The UCH NANNM branch commenced the strike after holding a congress meeting, and has appealed to patients for understanding during the industrial action.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu, Chairperson of the UCH branch, said the strike became necessary following the Federal Government’s failure to meet the long-standing demands of the association.
“We are so concerned about our patients; we don’t intend to leave them stranded. But we have no choice than to embark on this strike,” Faminu said.
Among the key demands made by NANNM are:
- Employment of more nurses across federal health institutions
- Provision of adequate medical facilities in hospitals
- Creation of a directorate for nurses at the Federal Ministry of Health
- Fair representation of nurses in federal health policymaking
- Centralisation of internship training for nurses
- Review of allowances for nurses and midwives
Faminu stressed that nurses are not acting out of disregard for their patients, but are driven by a need for lasting reform and professional recognition.
“This is a just cause. Nurses are the only ones on strike, but other healthcare professionals are available to attend to emergencies.”
The nationwide strike, which officially began at midnight on July 29, is scheduled to end on August 5. Faminu warned that if the government does not respond, the association will issue a 21-day ultimatum, after which a full indefinite strike may follow.
