Nurses' strike undermines health services, leaving patients stranded

 

Hospitals throughout Nigeria are facing a crisis as nurses and midwives represented by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) embark on a seven-day nationwide warning strike. Their demands include better welfare, improved working conditions, and essential structural reforms in the healthcare sector.

 Following a 15-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government, the strike has resulted in significant service disruptions at federal hospitals, leaving many critically ill patients unattended as nurses withdraw from their duties. 

From Abuja to Ibadan and Abeokuta to Yenagoa, major public hospitals have reduced their operations. At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja, long lines formed at outpatient departments as patients waited for hours for basic care. A variety of services including immunization, consultations, and surgeries were impacted.

 Victor Asu, the Chairman of NANNM at FMC Abuja, confirmed that all nurses have adhered to the strike. “No nurse is on duty. We’ve committed to providing no care during this period,” he stated. 

In Ibadan, nurses at the University College Hospital (UCH) joined the strike following an emergency meeting.

 Comrade Olufunmilola Familu, Chairperson of Oyo State NANNM, reiterated their key demands which include hiring more nursing staff, improving hospital facilities, creating a nursing directorate within the health ministry, and reviewing allowances and internship postings.

 A similar situation unfolded at FMC Abeokuta, where concerned families attempted to transfer their patients to private hospitals, often finding it financially prohibitive.

 Pastor Mike, whose mother is impacted, expressed frustration: “We’re trying to arrange care at a private hospital, but it’s costly. We have no idea how long this will last.” 

Mrs. Olufunmilola Adekunle, acting NANNM Chair at the Abeokuta facility, criticized the federal government’s lack of action. 

“We are overworked and underpaid. If changes don’t occur, the exodus of nurses will become worse,” she warned. 

In Bayelsa, nurses effectively shut down public hospitals. At FMC Yenagoa, union leader Liberia Progress outlined nine demands, including formal recognition of the nursing scheme of service, enforcement of the 2012 Industrial Act, and establishing a dedicated nursing department within the health ministry. He stressed the absence of any minimal services during the strike.

 In response, the Federal Ministry of Health convened a meeting with union leaders. Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi called for dialogue rather than strike actions, with discussions set to continue.

 The strike has raised public concern, prompting former senator Shehu Sani to urge the government to respond promptly, warning that inadequate nurse welfare jeopardizes patient safety.

 He remarked on Facebook, “If a nurse is struggling and discontent, seeking her care becomes perilous.”

 NANNM has announced that it will issue a new 21-day ultimatum following the warning strike. If their demands are not met, the union has threatened to launch an indefinite national strike, potentially bringing the country’s healthcare system to a complete standstill.