Health workers in Ondo State, under the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), have issued a 15-day ultimatum to the State government to address their demands.
The workers have threatened to initiate a strike if their requests are not met within the specified period.
This ultimatum was outlined in a letter dated October 10, 2024, addressed to the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and signed by the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Elusoji Olumide, along with the State Secretary, Comrade (Dr) Adeojo Michael.
The letter states: “15 DAY NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF SERVICES:
“The members of Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Ondo State Council wishes to draw the attention of the government under your leadership to the incessant discriminatory actions and tendencies against its members in Ondo State.
“The Ondo State government has continued to jettison the welfare of health care workers in the state in the face of economic hardship, inflation, brain drain and unconducive work environment.
“Whereas, other health-care workers have continued to wallow in pains due to the aforementioned conditions, ONLY the medical practitioners (Doctors) have witnessed the succour of the Ondo State government through the implementation of various federal government circulars and policies that have guaranteed better work conditions, improved remuneration and job satisfaction.
“The government has been written severally on the need to support State government health workers as it is been done for their colleagues in the federal government-owned health institutions and other states health workers, but the status quo has remained leading to a state of despair and demoralization.
“Your Excellency Sir, in the event that our demands are not met, we shall be compelled to withdraw the services of our members from all State Government hospitals across the state indefinitely after expiration of this notice.
“We therefore use this opportunity to plead with you to show concern, mercy, empathy and will to the plight of healthcare workers of Ondo State in the spirit of equity, fairness and Justice.
“Health workers are drained, exhausted, sick and cannot afford routine regimens to sustain their health. How then can we render adequate health services to patients in need when our needs are grossly neglected?
“Please save our souls, our dear governor! We anticipate your understanding and kind consideration, going forward, sir,” the letter concluded.