HEALTH workers, under the auspices of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Lagos State branch, have vowed to continue their ongoing industrial action if the Lagos State government fails to demonstrate a genuine commitment to resolving disputes in the sector and implement previously agreed resolutions without further delay.

This is despite the recent suspension of the nationwide strike by the national body of JOHESU after an agreement with the Federal Government,

The JOHESU Lagos branch said that despite the recent suspension of the nationwide strike by the national body of JOHESU after an agreement with the Federal Government, it has not called off its ongoing strike across public health institutions in the state until the state government meets all its key demands aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring fairness for all professionals within it.

The state Chairman of JOHESU, Adeloja Gbadamosi, while highlighting the demands of the union at a media briefing yesterday, called for the recognition and appropriate remuneration for consultant pharmacists, the establishment of an autonomous department of medical laboratory services, among others.

Gbadamosi, who was represented by the Secretary, Lagos State Branch of JOHESU, Kabiawu Gbolahan, said it was regrettable that Lagos State had previously indicated willingness to implement certain progressive measures, including those relating to professional autonomy and equitable remuneration, but the efforts were reportedly obstructed by “entrenched interests,” particularly from some quarters within the medical establishment.
He said the union strongly maintained that the healthcare system could not function optimally where certain professionals are treated as second-class citizens.

According to him, equity, mutual respect and professional recognition must form the cornerstone of a modern and efficient health sector. The state JOHESU chairman, who noted that the union remained deeply conscious of the hardship experienced by patients and the public as a result of service disruptions, however, lamented that sustained neglect and failure to honour agreements left the union with no alternative but to pursue its course.

He, therefore, called on the Lagos State government, through Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to demonstrate a genuine commitment to resolving the dispute through concrete and time-bound actions.
He said the state should avoid all forms of intimidation or victimisation of health workers participating in the lawful strike.

He also urged the state to ensure fairness and equity in the treatment of all healthcare professionals and to implement previously agreed resolutions without further delay.