…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
In a meeting held at the presidential office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appealed to the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), a division of the Nigeria Labour Congress, to end their strike and return to work.
Recognizing the critical importance of the health sector, the President expressed his commitment to addressing the existing challenges within the system.
Commitment to Resolve Health Sector Issues
President Tinubu emphasized that the health sector plays a vital role in serving humanity, and he assured the union leaders that all problems would be resolved.
He emphasized the need for trust to be established during discussions and promised to expedite the resolution of the issues at hand.
He urged the members of JOHESU to go back to work.
Restoring Public Faith in Nigeria’s Health Sector
In a statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, the President reiterated his administration’s determination to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s health sector.
This commitment underlined the importance placed on addressing the challenges faced by the sector.
Encouragement to Return to Work
Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, the Acting Chairman of JOHESU, expressed the union’s readiness to encourage its members to return to work in light of the assurances given by the President.
However, he urged President Tinubu to make substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure and improve the welfare of healthcare workers to mitigate the ongoing brain drain in the sector.
Hope for Resolution and Proactive Government Actions
Dr. Ogbonna expressed gratitude for the assurance from the President, stating that it encouraged the union to engage with its members and consider a return to work.
Simultaneously, Mr. Olumide Akintayo, a member of JOHESU’s Executive Council, called on the Federal Government to be proactive in addressing labor issues to prevent them from escalating into significant industrial disputes.