The University College Hospital (UCH) chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has joined the ongoing seven-day nationwide warning strike declared by the association’s national headquarters.
The strike, which began at midnight on July 29, followed the Federal Government’s failure to meet long-standing demands raised by the association.
Speaking after the union’s congress in Ibadan, Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu, Chairperson of the UCH NANNM branch, confirmed the union’s participation in the strike and appealed to patients for understanding.
“We are deeply concerned about our patients and do not intend to leave them without care,” Faminu said.
“But we are left with no choice. This is a just cause. Nurses provide compassionate and competent care in all settings, yet our welfare and working conditions continue to be neglected.”
According to Faminu, the association’s key demands include:
Recruitment of more nursing staff
Improved hospital facilities
Creation of a directorate for nurses at the Federal Ministry of Health
Fair representation of nurses in decision-making at the ministry
Centralisation of internship training for nurses
A review of nurses’ and midwives’ allowances
She noted that only nurses are involved in the strike, and that other health professionals remain on duty to attend to emergencies.
Faminu warned that if the government fails to respond by the end of the warning strike on August 5, the association would issue a 21-day ultimatum, after which an indefinite strike would be declared.
