Patients at Nigeria’s Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba staged a protest against escalating healthcare worker strikes, while nurses fully joined an ongoing industrial action and midwives withdrew services entirely. Protesters gathered near hospital buildings, condemning what they termed an “unbearable strike action” led by nurses and midwives, alleging numerous lives had been lost due to repeated labor disputes. Demanded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervene to resolve persistent healthcare sector conflicts.
The industrial action entered a critical phase following directives for all nurses to fully participate, abandoning any limited coverage. Simultaneously, the midwives’ union announced a complete withdrawal of services, refusing even minimal staffing levels. Striking workers emphasized their determination to continue indefinitely until their unspecified demands are met.
Patient frustration boiled over during the demonstration. Mr. Paul Okonwo, one of the protesters, highlighted the frequency of work stoppages, stating there was rarely a two-week period without some form of industrial action by different unions at FMC Asaba. Protesters voiced fears that ongoing disruption would lead to further loss of life, underscoring the severe impact on community healthcare access.
Hospital administration acknowledged the crisis. Chief Medical Director Dr. Victor Osiatuma attempted to reassure the public, assuring patients they would not suffer and confirming emergency plans were in place to mitigate the strike’s consequences. He publicly appealed to the striking nurses and midwives to reconsider their position and return to negotiations, hoping to restore essential services as tensions mount within the healthcare facility.
