Nigeria can’t afford another disruption in health system - FG begs JOHESU

The Federal Government has made a fresh appeal to members of the Joint Health Sector Unions to suspend its nationwide strike, stressing that the country cannot afford to have any more disruption to the health sector.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, made the statement at the PTF media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

“Let me once again send a strong appeal to all health workers, particularly, JOHESU members, that the nation can ill-afford any further disruption to its health systems.

“The on-going strike has been very costly in terms of human lives but such losses can be avoided.

“Government shall continue to do its best to push through the negotiations with the unions and hopefully, reason shall prevail,” he said.

Recall that the SGF on Monday made a similar appeal to the striking health workers under the umbrella of JOHESU on Monday.

He also warned that as schools, religious places and flights resume activities after the long break, Nigerians should not get carried away with the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases.

“Looking back at our national response using science, data and experience from other countries, we cannot but say that tremendous progress has been made and we are beginning to notice that the curve is flattening.

“We, therefore, urge you to remain mindful of the fact that there is a new normal and that the COVID-19 is virulent and dangerous. We urge you to continue to take responsibility,” he said.

As of September 16, he disclosed that the world has recorded 30,026,460 COVID-19 cases, Africa cumulatively reached 1,380,223 cases while Nigeria has also ramped up 56,604 cases.

In the same vein, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has applauded health workers for their contributions and impacts in the pandemic.

“We join the rest of the world today to mark the World Patient Safety Day. We are also called upon to speak up for health workers’ safety which put a focus on those who provide health care.

“Confronted as we are in this pandemic, the heroic role of frontline health workers to keep the rest of us safe must be commended. The work orders, endured stigma, the risk infections and sometimes even their lives,” he said.

The theme for this year’s World Patient Safety Day is “Health Workers’ Safety: A Priority For Patients Safety” with the slogan “Save Health Workers, Save Patients.”

Ehanire also noted that the government was making effort to provide all necessary protective equipment to ensure the safety of the average Nigerian health workers.

“But we also urge all of them (health workers) to take care of themselves and use their equipment properly as prescribed,” he said.