nurses

Nurses and midwives employed by the Oyo State Government are set to embark on an indefinite strike starting Wednesday.

Following a directive from the Oyo State chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) issued on Tuesday.

The decision, outlined in a circular signed by NANNM state chairman Adeyemi Samuel and Secretary Aina Emmanuel, comes after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum given to the state government to address various issues.

Confirming the strike to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday evening, the state secretary of NANNM stated that the action would be total and indefinite until the state government begins to address and implement their requests.

Despite several meetings with stakeholders, including the commissioner of health and the House Committee on Health, the nurses and midwives feel frustrated by unmet promises and agreements.

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They are demanding mass recruitment to address staff shortages in various healthcare institutions, including the Hospital Management Board, Primary Health Care Board, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso, and Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences in Eleyele, Ibadan.

The association emphasized the need for this recruitment due to the exodus of medical personnel to foreign countries, which has increased the workload for those who remain.

Among their demands are the correction of the wrong notional date on promotional letters, the adoption and implementation of a 25% CONMESS adjustment circular, financial implementation of 2018 to 2022 promotions, payment of withheld salaries from January/February 2011, enhanced hazard allowances, and uniform allowances as per public services rules.

The NANNM is also advocating for the adoption and implementation of lateral conversion/career progression for nurses and midwives on GL12 and above who possess a degree certificate in Nursing Sciences (BNSc).