The Kwara State Council of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has joined a nationwide warning strike to demand improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions. The strike, which started on July 29, is expected to last for seven days.
Key Demands
- *Implementation of National Industrial Arbitration Court Judgment*: The association is calling for the implementation of the January 27, 2012, judgment that addresses their longstanding demands.
- *Upward Review of Professional Allowances*: Nurses and midwives are demanding an increase in their professional allowances to reflect their value to the healthcare system.
- *Adequate Employment of Nursing Personnel*: The association is pushing for more nursing personnel to be employed to address staffing shortages.
- *Provision of Essential Health Facility Equipment*: Hospitals need better equipment to provide quality healthcare services.
- *Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health*: The association wants a dedicated department for nursing to ensure their voices are heard in policy-making.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The strike has significantly affected healthcare services in Kwara State, with patients being evacuated from hospitals or forced to seek alternative care at private facilities. The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions have been impacted, resulting in delayed care and long waiting times ¹ ².
Government Response
The Kwara State Government has made some efforts to improve the welfare of nurses, including a 25% salary increase. However, the association argues that more needs to be done to address their demands. The federal government has been urged to engage in dialogue with the nurses' union to resolve the issues ² ³.
Possible Escalation
If the demands are not met within the seven-day warning strike, the nurses may embark on an indefinite strike. The association has given a 21-day ultimatum, after which they will reassess the situation and determine the next course of action ⁴.
