Health facilities in Bayelsa State were brought to a standstill on Wednesday as public hospitals discharged patients following the launch of a nationwide seven-day warning strike by officials of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The strike, which witnessed complete obedience in federal and state-owned hospitals, left patients stranded, with several walking the corridors of hospitals without any care. Operations were fully closed at Amarata Primary Health Centre in Yenagoa, while at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Yenagoa, only emergency cases were being treated by a handful of senior doctors and nurses.
FMC Liberia NANNM Chairman Woyengibarafagha Progress informed Vanguard that the strike was all-encompassing and founded on nine pending demands like improved professional allowances, provision of medical equipment, employment of additional nurses, and establishment of a department of nursing under the Federal Ministry of Health.
“In other countries, nurses are respected and treated with respect. Here, we are overworked and not appreciated. Enough is enough,” Progress continued.
The National Treasurer of the union, Comrade Amos Ombufa, consented to complete compliance in South-South federal hospitals and served notice that a 21-day ultimatum would be trailed by a warning strike after which an indefinite strike would be declared if government fails to act.
The Public Relations Officer of FMC, Akpedi Bernard, testified to the paralyzing effect of the strike, stating the centre treats over 70% of Bayelsa’s healthcare.
The patients and their relatives were left frustrated deep within, calling on the government to act quickly on the demands of the nurses to prevent suffering further.
“I came here at 7 a.m. with my sick child, but there was nobody to attend to us,” complained Mrs. Grace Ogidi, who was one of the many victims of the ongoing industrial action.
