The protest, scheduled for today, Thursday, March 26, is expected to draw healthcare professionals from across the country to the National Assembly Complex, with participants converging at the Unity Fountain in Maitama, Abuja.
In an official communication obtained by our correspondent on Thursday morning, JOHESU directed its affiliate unions and professional associations to mobilise members en masse, warning that the proposed legislation could have far-reaching implications for healthcare professionals and the sector at large.
Speaking on the planned protest, JOHESU’s National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, who signed the notice, said the demonstration was necessary to draw public attention to the potential impact of the bills.
“Our members must educate the general public on how the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 affect their respective professions in particular and the health sector in general,” Egbanubi said.
He described the planned action as a critical moment for healthcare workers, urging maximum participation.
“Your participation in this historic existential struggle is highly solicited and essential,” he added.
According to the union, the bills, which have already scaled first reading in the Senate, have raised concerns among health workers who fear they may alter existing structures, professional roles, and welfare conditions within the sector.
JOHESU, a coalition of major health sector unions, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, has historically played a central role in labour disputes within Nigeria’s health sector.
The group has frequently engaged the Federal Government over issues such as salary structures, hazard allowances, and the perceived dominance of certain professional groups in policy decisions affecting the sector.
Tensions within Nigeria’s healthcare system have persisted for years, often manifesting in strikes and service disruptions that affect millions of citizens. Disputes are typically rooted in concerns over welfare, professional recognition, funding gaps, and governance of health institutions.
The emergence of the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 comes at a time when Nigeria’s health system is already under strain from workforce shortages, brain drain, and inadequate infrastructure. Many healthcare professionals have continued to migrate abroad in search of better working conditions, further weakening the system.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com