Health Workers Begin Indefinite Strike In Kaduna

NAN

Patients on Monday deserted public health facilities in Kaduna State following an indefinite strike embarked upon by health workers.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria who visited Yusuf Dantsoho General Hospital, Tudun-Wada, and Gwamna Awan General Hospital, Nasarawa, reports that patients, including those on admission had deserted the hospitals.

The male, female, accident and emergency wards of the hospitals were closed, while medical doctors on duty were seen in groups discussing the situation.

Mr Obadiah Sunday, Chairman, Joint Health Workers Union, told NAN that the strike was due to the failure of the state government to honour a 2011 agreement on CONHESS salary structure and arrears.

He advised the government to understand that healthcare delivery was a multi-services sector for doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians.

NAN reports that the strike began on Saturday after a 21-day ultimatum by the union.

Meanwhile, the union leaders are holding a crucial meeting with the state government to resolve the action.