The ongoing strike by three health unions of the Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria has drawn public attention as it takes toll on innocent patients.
Joining the public concern, the Northern Emancipation Network yesterday
said it has become necessary at this point to seek the intervention of the
Federal Government and other national leaders especially the Emir of
Zazzau in whose domain the University is located.
A statement signed by the Group’s Coordinator, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman., said
it was touched by the sufferings of in and out patients who rely on the
services of the shut health facilities.
Suleiman said his group believes a prompt intervention by FG, the Senate
and the Emir of Zazzau would bring an end to the impasse.On Saturday,
three medical associations, comprising medical doctors, nurses and
midwives, and the academic technologists begun an indefinite strike to
protest non-payment of entitlements in the last six years which has
already caused distress to patients who are now faced to seek
alternatives.
A statement by the unions and jointly signed by Aminu Mohammed, Hassan
Garba and Yusuf Haruna for NADUHS, NAAT and NANNM respectively, said after
wide deliberations, they have resolved to call their members on an
indefinite strike.
The grievances highlighted by the unions include non-payment of teaching
allowances and specialist allowances to technologists and nurses.
The unions also complained of non-implementation of shift allowances since
2010.
Other grievances include non-payment of medical hazard allowances,
relativity and clinical supplementation allowances.
Worried by this development, NEN said its officials have attempted to
persuade the union leaders who however appeared overwhelmed by their
members ‘ grievances.
“When we spoke with the leader of NANNM, Comrade Yusuf Haruna, he
regretted that the University authorities are to blame for the
consequences of the strike,” Suleiman said.
“We plan to visit the University main campus sometime within the week to
seek other likely options for getting the workers back to their jobs.”We
also call on other civil society groups and the religious community to
speak in the interest of the distressed patients,” Suleiman said.