UCH nurses shut hospital, join nationwide strike

The University College Hospital Ibadan (UCH) chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has joined the ongoing nationwide seven-day warning strike declared by the association’s national leadership.

The strike, which officially commenced at midnight on Tuesday, July 29, was adopted by the UCH NANNM branch following a congress held on Wednesday. During the meeting, the nurses resolved to fully comply with the directive from their national body and urged patients to bear with them during the period of industrial action.

Speaking to journalists, the branch chairperson, Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu, explained that the strike became necessary after the Federal Government failed to meet longstanding demands aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of nurses and midwives across the country.

Among the key demands are the recruitment of more nursing personnel, provision of adequate medical facilities, the creation of a directorate for nurses at the Federal Ministry of Health, and the centralisation of internship programmes for nursing graduates.

The association is also calling for fairer representation within the Federal Ministry of Health and a comprehensive review of allowances for nurses and midwives.

Faminu expressed regret over the impact of the strike on patients but emphasized that the action was a last resort.

“We are deeply concerned about our patients and never intended to abandon them,” she said. “However, nurses have been left with no option but to act. This is a just cause. While we are on strike, other healthcare professionals remain available to handle emergency situations.”

She further warned that if the government fails to address their grievances after the seven-day warning strike, the association would issue a 21-day ultimatum, after which it may proceed on an indefinite strike.

The warning strike is scheduled to end on Monday, August 5.