The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has placed responsibility for the recurring disruption of healthcare services squarely on the Federal Government, urging Nigerians to direct their frustration at policy failures rather than health workers.
Speaking during a televised interview on Channels Television, the union’s National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, said JOHESU was acutely aware of the hardship industrial actions impose on citizens but insisted the strikes were avoidable if government honoured its commitments.
Egbanubi explained that the union’s position remains unequivocal, with a single demand yet to be met: the full implementation of the report on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health professionals.
“We understand the impact of strikes on Nigerians, but Nigerians should not hold us responsible,” he said. “The responsibility lies with government, which must do the needful to prevent a recurrence.”
He acknowledged that the work stoppage had affected vulnerable Nigerians who depend on public hospitals and cannot afford private healthcare. However, he stressed that JOHESU members had also borne losses, underscoring the shared cost of prolonged inaction.
In a measured appeal, Egbanubi called on concerned Nigerians and stakeholders to prevail on the Federal Government to address the union’s demand, arguing that prompt engagement would stabilise the health sector and restore confidence in public healthcare delivery.
