Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Lagos State branch, have vowed to continue their ongoing strike unless the state government shows a genuine commitment to resolving long-standing disputes in the sector and implements previously agreed resolutions.
Gatekeepers News reports that the union’s stance comes despite the suspension of the nationwide strike by JOHESU’s national leadership following an agreement with the Federal Government.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, the Lagos State Chairman of JOHESU, Adeloja Gbadamosi, said the state chapter would not call off its industrial action across public health institutions until the Lagos State Government meets its key demands aimed at strengthening the health system and ensuring fairness for all professionals.
Gbadamosi, who was represented by the union’s state secretary, Kabiawu Gbolahan, said the demands include recognition and proper remuneration for consultant pharmacists, the establishment of an autonomous department of medical laboratory services, and other reforms.
He described it as regrettable that the state government had earlier expressed willingness to implement progressive measures relating to professional autonomy and equitable pay, but that these efforts were allegedly blocked by “entrenched interests,” particularly from some quarters within the medical establishment.
“The union strongly maintains that the healthcare system cannot function optimally where certain professionals are treated as second-class citizens,” Gbadamosi said.
He added that equity, mutual respect and professional recognition must be the foundation of a modern and efficient health sector.
While acknowledging the hardship faced by patients and the public due to the service disruption, the union said years of neglect and failure to honour agreements left it with no choice but to continue the strike.
Gbadamosi called on the Lagos State Government, through Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to demonstrate a genuine commitment to resolving the dispute through concrete and time-bound actions.
He also urged the state to avoid intimidation or victimisation of health workers participating in the lawful strike and to ensure fairness and equity in the treatment of all healthcare professionals.
