NANNM chairman Victor Asu said, “Although doctors and other healthcare workers are not on strike, services have become slow, and patients are already complaining.”
Patients across the country groaned on Wednesday as nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives–Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) commenced a seven-day warning strike, crippling services in public hospitals.
The industrial action, which followed a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, left wards deserted, with many patients discharged and skeletal services in some facilities.
At the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, long queues were seen at the General Out-Patient Department and surgical units. NANNM chairman Victor Asu said, “Although doctors and other healthcare workers are not on strike, services have become slow, and patients are already complaining.”
Relatives expressed frustration. Abu Isah, who brought his father for treatment, lamented, “I came here with my father at 8am; this is 10am, we were still waiting.”
The union is demanding an upward review of allowances, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a nursing department in the health ministry.
The Federal Government has scheduled a high-level meeting with stakeholders on Friday. Dame Okafor, Director of Nursing Division, said, “The ministry is trying to have an in-house discussion with the union leaders.”
Union leaders warned of an indefinite strike if demands remain unmet.