The federal government, through the Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, has appealed to members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to call off their ongoing strike action in the interest of the public, with an assurance that all their entitlements would be paid.
The Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun also made an appeal at the ground breaking ceremony of the proposed University of Medicine of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, sited at Adebayo village, Ajebo road, Abeokuta.
Mr Amosun who emphasised the importance of the health sector to the people, urged the unions to consider the plight of the sick and return to work, assuring that government would look into their demands with a view to addressing them.
He assured that his administration would continue to invest in the health sector, stressing that health institutions, particularly the primary health care, would be made to functional, with the provision of facilities and good working condition for the workers.
Mr Amosun said his administration would support the university project, calling on the indigenes of Adebayo too to support it as it would help in the socio-economic development of the area.
In his remark, Mr Ehanire assured that the federal government would restore confidence in the health sector, as health institutions across the country would be positioned to end medical tourism.
He thanked Governor Amosun for releasing 170 hectares of land valued at N2.6 billion and other past interventions, urging him not to relent in his support for the project.
The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Adewale Musa-Olomu, applauded the governor for his giant stride in the state, particularly in the health sector.
Meanwhile, Patients at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, have pleaded with members of staff under the auspices of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to call off their ongoing strike which commenced on April 18.
Mr Musa Ladan, a patient, appealed to JOHESU officials to call off the strike in the interest of the people, adding that the masses always suffer the consequences.
“I plead with the union to call off the ongoing strike and give room for dialogue in the interest of the people.
“The poor will always bear the burden as they cannot afford access to healthcare in private hospitals.
“There are so many ways of resolving disputes before you can embark on strike and shutting down hospitals because the masses will suffer,” he said.
Mr George Luka, another patient, said: “This action taken by JOHESU can only hamper our development as a country with a large population.
“I urge the government to look into the matter and provide lasting solution in the interest of the country especially the masses.”
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