Health workers in Kaduna State have commenced a five-day warning strike starting at midnight on Monday.
The industrial action involves members of the Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, the Association of Hospitals and Administrative Pharmacists, and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists.
The primary demand of the health workers is the payment of their outstanding allowances and other entitlements, which have been pending for an extended period.
As a result of the strike, public hospitals in Kaduna State are operating with minimal capacity.
Only doctors and laboratory technicians are currently on duty, leading to a significant reduction in the healthcare services available to the public.
Many patients have been discharged due to the absence of nurses, causing emotional distress and mixed reactions from both the patients and their caregivers.
The health workers have cited unresolved issues with the State Government concerning their welfare and salary structure.
The issues have been ongoing since 2009, with promises made but not fulfilled, leading to growing frustration among the health workforce.
Dr. Aishatu Mohamed, the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Health, has acknowledged the situation and indicated that she will soon provide an official response.
