Nurses
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo chapter has announced that it will not provide services to patients during a seven-day warning strike.
According to Mr. Coker Oluwasegun, Secretary of the association, the strike is a result of the Federal Government’s failure to address the plights of nurses. “It is a total compliance. No leeway whatsoever,” Oluwasegun stated.
*Unfair Treatment of Nurses*
The nurses accused the Federal Government of unfair treatment, citing poor working conditions and inadequate equipment. “The Federal Government has unfairly treated nurses over the years, and here is the time for us to take the bull by the horn,” Oluwasegun said.
The nurses have been demanding better working conditions, including improved equipment and a significant increase in uniform allowance, which currently stands at N20,000 per year.
Oluwasegun expressed frustration over the government’s failed promises, stating that the warning strike would continue for seven days. “If our 12-point demands are not met, we will resume at the expiration of the seven-day warning strike.
Then, we will give the Federal Government another 21-day ultimatum before an indefinite strike will commence,” he warned.
The strike is expected to bring healthcare services to a standstill in Ondo, with patients likely to bear the brunt. The nurses’ union emphasized that they would not give preference to any patient, regardless of the case. This move highlights the desperation of nurses who feel their concerns have been ignored for too long ¹.
*Nurses’ Demands*
The NANNM is demanding better working conditions, improved equipment, and increased allowances. Oluwasegun emphasized that nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, yet they are not treated fairly.
“No equipment to actually work with in most of our hospitals making patients see us as the one killing them. No good working conditions and environment,” he stated.
The Federal Government has not yet responded to the nurses’ demands. However, the nurses are resolute in their determination to push for their rights.
“The fight is not against the management of Federal Medical Centre Owo as we had rightly informed the Medical Director and his team,” Oluwasegun said.
