The Federal Government has pledged to kickstart an official process to revise and make adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for the Joint Health Sector Unions of Nigeria, a significant step forward revealed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate.

This promising development was disclosed in a detailed communique provided to Wakadaily by JOHESU, following a productive working visit by the national leadership to the Minister’s office in Abuja.

In the formal communique, jointly signed by the National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and Secretary, Martins Egbanubi, it was emphasized that all members of JOHESU have collectively agreed to actively monitor and assess the progress of the new initiatives in the days ahead to ensure suitable and prompt reactions.

Notably, JOHESU comprises various vital healthcare unions, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions, all equally invested in advocating for comprehensive and fair salary adjustments within the healthcare sector.

The compelling push for adjustments in CONHESS was first set in motion back on June 2nd, 2014, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing quest for greater equality and fairness in the health profession.

Despite facing challenges, including a labor strike by healthcare workers last year, JOHESU decided to temporarily halt their protest on June 5th, 2023, following a reassuring meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who provided assurances that their concerns would be addressed efficiently.

Despite these past setbacks, the recent communique issued by JOHESU expressed profound dismay over the unfulfilled promises from the President, conveying that it has sparked discontent and restlessness among the valuable members of the healthcare workforce.

Urging swift and decisive intervention from the Federal Ministry of Health, JOHESU has highlighted the critical need to prevent any potential industrial unrest amidst its dedicated members, underscoring the crucial importance of addressing these pressing salary concerns promptly and effectively.

It mentioned partly, “JOHESU appreciated the reassurances of the Honourable Coordinating Minister, Professor Ali Pate who promised to activate all the structures connected with the approval process of the adjustment of CONHESS. JOHESU agreed to jointly review the progress of the new initiatives in the days ahead to enable it to respond appropriately.

“JOHESU put on record the implementation of the review CONHESS which commenced in February 2024. JOHESU complained about the non-payment of arrears from June 2023 to January 2024 (eight months) as well as the improper arithmetical calculations which did not factor in the basic salaries of beneficiaries in working out their allowances which are taxable.

“JOHESU was comforted with assurances by the Honourable Minister that the complaints will be escalated for evaluation by the statutory agencies in charge of this endeavour.”