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Members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) have urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to promptly reconstitute the boards/governing councils of all federal health institutions (FHIs), professional regulatory councils, and other agencies in the sector to address management gaps in these organizations.
In a letter to the president, the union emphasized that the absence of these boards has significant effects, including disruptions, poor oversight responsibilities, hindrance of staff promotions, and approval delays for hospital management committees.
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The letter, signed by JOHESU’s national chairman, Dr. Kabiru Ado Minjibir, and national secretary, Comrade Martin Egbanubi, expressed surprise at the lack of action despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise on June 7, 2023, to address JOHESU’s demands regarding the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS). This promise had led to the suspension of an ongoing nationwide strike by JOHESU.
The union highlighted a perceived culture of impunity and a lack of adherence to due process by Chief Executive Officers in the absence of Boards of Management. The absence of these boards, according to JOHESU, would lead to disruptions in key hospital structures and procurement processes, affecting various aspects of healthcare management.
JOHESU also pointed out that the absence of governing councils impedes vital decisions related to training, research, specialized care protocols, professional practice regulations, and accreditation of training facilities.
The union urged the federal government to pay special attention to the health sector, emphasizing the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment to prevent a resurgence of the suspended strike action.
Additionally, JOHESU expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for restoring funding to Health Sector Professional Regulatory Councils, which regulate and control the practices of its members. The councils include CHPRBN, HRORBN, MLSCN, MRTBN, RRBN, ODORBN, DTRBN, and PCN.
