By Muhammad Amaan
The Federal Government of Nigeria has promised to initiate a process to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for the Joint Health Sector Unions of Nigeria (JOHESU).
This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, according to a communique made available to newsmen by JOHESU after its national leadership paid the minister a working visit at his office in Abuja.
In the communique signed by its National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and Secretary, Martins Egbanubi, it was noted that the members agreed to jointly review the progress of the new initiatives in the days ahead to enable it to respond appropriately.
JOHESU members are the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria; the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals; the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, and Associated Institutions; and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions.
The quest to attain adjustments in CONHESS began on June 2, 2014.
The health workers in May last year embarked on a strike but suspended it on June 5, 2023, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who assured them that the challenge would be redressed.
But in its recent communique, the JOHESU decried the non-fulfilment of the president’s promise, saying it has instilled restlessness in the value chain of its members and urged the Federal Ministry of Health to intervene to checkmate looming industrial unrest.
It stated partly, “JOHESU appreciated the reassurances of the Honourable Coordinating Minister, Professor Ali Pate who promised to activate all the structures connected with the approval process of the adjustment of CONHESS.
JOHESU agreed to jointly review the progress of the new initiatives in the days ahead to enable it to respond appropriately.
“JOHESU put on record the implementation of the review CONHESS which commenced in February 2024. JOHESU complained about the non-payment of arrears from June 2023 to January 2024 (eight months) as well as the improper arithmetical calculations which did not factor in the basic salaries of beneficiaries in working out their allowances which are taxable.
“JOHESU was comforted with assurances by the Honourable Minister that the complaints will be escalated for evaluation by the statutory agencies in charge of this endeavour.”
