October 1: Kano Medical Staff Call For Action As Strike Deadline Approaches

October 1: Kano Medical Staff Call For Action As Strike Deadline Approaches....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners has expressed deep concern over the current doctor-to-patient ratio in Kano State and announced plans to initiate an industrial strike starting October 1. In a statement released to journalists on Saturday, Dr. Anas Idris Hassan, the association’s secretary in Kano, indicated that their demands remain unmet despite an agreement reached with the Kano State Government in June…….CONTINUE READING 

Hassan highlighted that the government has failed to address the issue of hazard allowances, particularly the COVID-19 allowance, which has been disbursed by the federal government since 2021 but has not yet reached medical personnel in Kano. He also pointed out the problem of unpaid salaries for newly employed doctors as of September 2023.

Additionally, the medical professionals raised alarms regarding the deteriorating conditions of hospitals in Kano and the lack of essential medical equipment, underscoring the urgent need for action on these matters. Hassan noted the critical shortage of doctors in the state, reporting a troubling ratio of one doctor to 33,000 patients, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended standard.

In a related development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to fulfill its outstanding demands, as outlined in previous agreements. ASUU President Professor Emmanuel Osodoke criticized the federal government for its lack of commitment to these agreements, some dating back to 2009. The union urged the government to resolve the issue of withheld salaries stemming from the 2022 strike and accused officials of employing delay tactics.

ASUU is also pushing for the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, based on the Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021. If the federal government fails to satisfactorily address these issues within the two-week period, ASUU warned that its members would embark on a strike that would disrupt academic activities in public universities nationwide.

ASUU’s statement emphasized, “In light of these circumstances, we resolve to give the Nigerian Government another 14 days, beginning September 23, 2024, to adequately address all lingering issues to our members’ satisfaction. The union should not be held accountable for any industrial unrest resulting from the government’s failure to act on this new opportunity to prevent a looming crisis.”

The union is also demanding the release of unpaid salaries for staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments affected by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), along with the payment of outstanding third-party deductions such as check-off dues and cooperative contributions. Furthermore, ASUU seeks funding for the revitalization of public universities, partially included in the 2023 Federal Government Budget, and the disbursement of Earned Academic Allowances, also reflected in the 2023 budget.