The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions (FHI) Sector, has given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to address the alleged victimisation of its members at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna.
The association warned that it would embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike if its demands were not met by July 29.
In a letter addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the union accused the hospital’s management of victimising union officials, failing to implement an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and creating industrial unrest.
The association demanded the immediate reinstatement of its suspended unit chairman, reversal of the alleged demotion of three nurses, implementation of the MoU and a thorough investigation into alleged anti-union practices at the hospital.
According to the union, the unit chairman was suspended after providing temporary accommodation for nursing students on clinical posting who were stranded.
“It is our considered view that this humanitarian action should have attracted commendation rather than punishment,” the association stated.
NANNM also alleged that the hospital’s Medical Director had failed to implement the agreement reached following an earlier industrial dispute, despite government intervention.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue but warned that failure to address its demands within the 15-day deadline would leave it with no option but to commence a three-day nationwide warning strike.
It said the proposed industrial action would involve nurses and midwives in federal health institutions across the country if the issues remained unresolved.
The association urged the Federal Government to intervene urgently to prevent disruption of healthcare services and ensure industrial harmony in the nation’s health sector.
