It is no longer news that federal health workers have embarked on an indefinite strike following the failure of the Federal Government to implement the agreement it reached with them last year.
It is quite shameful that a country like Nigeria, which prides itself as the big brother to all African countries, will still be battling with health workers’ crisis in the 21st century. At 57 years, we are still counted among nations of the world with the least health care spending, compared to other countries.
While other African countries have increased their health care sector funding, Nigeria has continued to slip backwards. I wonder when the lives of Nigerians will be taken seriously.
Ironically, our leaders see the refined medical equipment in other countries whenever they travel abroad for check-ups. Yet, they do nothing to replicate them at home. I wish there could be a law which states that every public worker should be treated in the country.
While I don’t agree with the frequent strikes by health practitioners, I don’t think that their demands are too much because they are also as relevant as the medical doctors.
I hope the government knows that the ongoing strike is affecting Nigerians and further putting lives in danger because patients will no longer be able to get drugs from the hospital unless they go out to buy, which may not be a good idea.
Truth be told, the masses are always at the receiving end. I believe if those in government actually go through what an average Nigerian undergoes in a government hospital, then such matters would be taken seriously. As we all know, the few times our president Muhammadu Buhari has had health challenges, he had to be flown to the United Kingdom for treatment. If he and other top government officials have to visit our hospitals for treatment, then, we would have a better health sector.
Although there have been about six meetings, there is yet to be any peaceful resolution reached on the trade dispute. The only outcome is the ongoing blame game between the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, and the union. The minister is saying the union turned down the government’s overtures for peaceful settlement while the union, on the other hand, is saying the minister is a barrier to the resolution of disputes.
The medical personnel need to understand that the health of the citizens should be paramount. Not everyone can afford private hospitals or go abroad like our president and some of our leaders. The masses are currently suffering the consequences of the government and the union’s actions and inactions.
I implore the Federal Government to resolve this issue with urgency because the lives and well-being of Nigerians are at stake.
Okopi Faith, 23
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