Federal Government has decried the growing interest of health care workers particularly the Nurses in professional practice abroad, describing it as a threat to the efficient and effective healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.
It thus appealed to the Nurses to have a rethink, and develop the spirit of patriotism and commitment to the development of Nigeria, assuring them that government is working assiduously to improve their welfare packages as well as working conditions.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the appeal at a meeting with the executive body of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), in Abuja, on Tuesday.
He particularly pointed out that the delay in the implementation of the scheme of service for nurses, the National Industrial Court Nigeria (NICN) judgment of 2012, and salary adjustments would all be address.
He promised to engage the necessary agencies, including the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to ensure a resolution. “I am assuring you that I will also take this matter to the Coordinating Minister for urgent attention. I ask that you take me by my word.
“Patriotism should guide our actions. As caregivers, the lives of many depend on you, and while your demands are valid, it is important to consider the impact of prolonged strikes on patient care and the healthcare system.” he said.
He said that rather than resorting to industrial actions, dialogue should be considered in place, stating that dialogue remains the best approach to addressing grievances.
Emphasizing the critical role that nurses play in the healthcare system, Dr. Salako noted that their dedication and service are essential to national development, thus suggesting they continue engaging with government, constructively.
National President of NANNM, Haruna Mamman, in his remarks, registered the concern of the Nurses particularly the issue of welfare packages, telling the Minister that the Nurses are at the breaking point.
He said: “We have endured years of unmet promises, and had refrained from industrial action for two years in the hope that our concerns would be addressed. The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) judgment was delivered in 2012, yet implementation remains elusive. The association patience is already wearing thin.
“Nurses are at their breaking point, and if urgent action is not taken, we may be left with no choice but to escalate our demands through lawful means.”
He urged the government to expedite action on some of the nurses demands including the review of nurses’ remuneration and working conditions to stem the tide of migration.
NANNM General Secretary, Mr. Thomas Shettima, in his submission, underscored the need for gazetting the scheme of service which was approved nine years ago.
He expressed concerns that despite multiple assurances from government officials, no concrete steps had been taken to formalize the scheme, leaving nurses in a state of uncertainty.
“Our members have waited long enough. We do not want to embark on industrial action, but the government must understand that continued neglect of our demands could lead to disruptions in the healthcare sector,” he said.
Shettima also highlighted the role of nurses in national emergencies, including disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises, noting that their sacrifices should be recognised and rewarded, adequately.
