The University College Hospital in Ibadan was hit by an indefinite strike launched by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) on Monday, coinciding with the 17th day of the resident doctors’ strike. Reports indicate that all hospital gates except the main entrance were closed, with some JOHESU members stationed at the entrances.
The strike stems from the Federal Government’s failure to meet the union’s demand for an upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS). JOHESU argues that this adjustment should mirror the revision made to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in 2014. The federation includes several unions, such as the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, and the Teaching Hospitals Research and Academic Institutions.
Oladayo Olabampe, the union’s chairman at UCH, said the strike follows a directive from JOHESU’s national body. He noted that an agreement existed to adjust both CONMESS and CONHESS simultaneously, yet only CONMESS has been revised since 2014. The union is therefore seeking a salary increase comparable to that granted to medical doctors and affirmed that its members will not relent until the demand is met.
The combined strike by JOHESU and resident doctors has serious implications for healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Hospital operations are now limited to the main entrance, potentially hindering patients and their families from accessing care. As the situation develops, the Federal Government’s response to the unions’ demands will be crucial in resolving the crisis and restoring full health‑sector functionality.
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