•JOHESU vows to sustain action

THE Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi, has appealed to members of the striking Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to halt their industrial action in the interest of the poor masses seeking urgent medical care just as he urged warring parties to find a lasting solution to the incessant strikes in the sector.

Meanwhile, the  workers Sunday vowed to sustain the action and resist any intimidation pending when their demands are meant.

   JOHESU chairman in Kano, Comrade Bello Nuradeen Saidi in a telephone chat with The Guardian  maintained that JOHESU will not be deterred by government’s plan of “no work, no pay” policy.

 The union membership which includes all health care professionals and administrative staff in both federal, state and local health facilities, excluding the medical doctors,  downed tools on 12th of November, 2014 demanding implementation of improved welfare package for members, an agreement JOHESU claimed was jointly entered with the Federal Government.

The emir who spoke Sunday after inspecting the state of patients at some hospitals in the metropolis, expressed concern on their critical condition particularly those in hasty need of the striking workers.

 Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Manur Sanusi (Dan Maje Kano), the former CBN governor said, “ the emirate was deeply concern about the condition of the people in the hospitals and out of concern, decided to visit these facilities including the Standard Hospital, Murtala Muhammed and National Orthopedic Hospital. Let me say the state of the sick persons there were so terrible. People blinding and some in critical condition. The emir has seen some in need of surgery and simply helpless”.

 He noted that the emir had promised to take care of medical bills of some patients at the hospitals and particularly those who are financially handicapped but required urgently surgical treatment to regain their fitness.