The Federal Government (FG) has said that it is committed to renewing the health system in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on his X handle, @muhammadpate, on Thursday.
He noted that the federal government met with health workers, under the umbrella of the Joint Health Workers Unions (JOHESU) to discuss various issues affecting the sector including, pertinent concerns regarding pay grade adjustments, the state of the health workforce, outstanding arrears, among others.
Recall that the Union had written to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Finance, demanding an upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
The union also threatened to resume its suspended strike if positive action was not taken by the federal government regarding the salary structure.
Reacting to this, Pate noted that the government has recognised that building trust and confidence in its policies is important for the renewal of Nigeria’s health system.
He disclosed that productive discussions have been ongoing with representatives from major health unions, which, according to him, is part of the government’s ongoing consultative dialogue on pressing issues in the health sector.
“Building trust and confidence in our policies and programmes among various actors and stakeholders within the sector is important to the renewal of Nigeria’s health system. This involves respectfully engaging, listening, and seeking advice from health workers’ unions, civil society, and traditional and faith leaders for guidance on transforming our country’s healthcare system,” he stated.
He assured the Union that the government is working towards ensuring progress in resolving the outstanding legacy issues that have lingered for more than 10 years, and therefore appealed to them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he achieves this feat.
