22nd October, 2015
Taiwo Adelu
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Linus Awute, has called on the striking workers of Federal Neuro-Psychriatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos to call off their industrial action in the best interest of the nation.
The workers, through their four unions in the hospital- Medical Dental Constituents Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and National Association of Nigerian Nurses & Midwives (NANNM)- are demanding that the Federal Government should not renew the tenure of Dr. Rahaman Abolore Lawal as Medical Director (MD) of the hospital.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, by the Director of Hospital Services of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Patience Osinubi during a meeting held between the management and the workers’ unions in Lagos Monday, Awute reminded the workers that they should realise that “your services in the hospital are essential service. I’m calling on you to call off the ongoing strike in the interest of the nation.”
He wants the workers to review their action in consonance with reality, and as stipulated in the rules of engagement between them and the government.
According to Awute, the ministry had since set up a committee with a definite Term of Reference to deeply examine the crisis that prompted the strike and recommend solution that will be accepted by all the parties involved.
“The ongoing strike is already viewed as detrimental to the patients and also embarrassing to the management of Federal Ministry of Health.
“You may need to review your grouse patrotically to see that this action is of no profundity to warrant bringing down the hospital.
“I would like to advise that you are not expected to form alternative regulatory administration in a government facility, but you can complain and sought government’s intervention on any matter and responsibly rely on the outcome of that, as anything other than that approach is unsatisfactory, ” he said.
The meeting which lasted several hours ended with far reaching resolutions that will pave way for the eight weeks strike to be called off not later than Wednesday, 28 October, 2015.
According to the resolutions signed by the representatives of the ministry led by Dr. Osinubi, the workers’ unions and DR. Tope Ojo the Chairman for Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), who on ground as observer, all parties agreed to maintain existing peace in the hospital, while the unions were urged not to engage in any act of violence.
With completion of its job, the committee set up by the ministry has submitted it’s report, while all issues relating to Federal Neuro-Psychriatric Hospital, Yaba will be resolved in the next seven working days.
The unions were mandated to get back to their congresses to present the outcome of the meeting with a view to maintaining peace and prevent further degeneration of the crisis.
It was also agreed that the incumbent MD, Dr Lawal should be encouraged to uphold all agreement reached with the various unions.