The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) on Thursday accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of professional marginalization following the non-payment of January salaries to nurses in federal health institutions, while other medical staff reportedly received their entitlements.
The group characterized the delay as a targeted act of injustice against nursing professionals who maintained essential services during recent industrial actions by other unions.
Allegations of Selective Payment
The ENF reported that while doctors and various categories of hospital workers have been paid for January, nurses across the country remain without their wages. The forum expressed concern that this discrepancy reflects a systemic bias against the nursing profession.
Continuity of Service During Strikes
The forum clarified that nurses are no longer affiliated with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). Consequently, they did not participate in recent strikes. The group emphasized that nurses remained on duty to ensure the healthcare system did not collapse while other departments withdrew their services.
Impact on Healthcare Morale
In a formal statement issued on behalf of the forum, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide highlighted the growing financial and emotional strain on the workforce. Olamide noted that the delay is particularly demoralizing given the high-risk nature of their daily responsibilities.
“Paying some categories of health workers while leaving nurses unpaid is not only insensitive but a clear act of marginalization and victimization,” Abiodun read. “Nurses are the backbone of patient care. Without nurses, there is no effective healthcare delivery.”
Demands for Immediate Redress
The ENF has issued a list of five key demands to the Federal Ministry of Health and hospital managements:
-
Immediate disbursement of all outstanding January salaries.
-
A transparent explanation regarding the cause of the selective delay.
-
Equal treatment of all healthcare professionals in administrative processes.
-
An end to perceived victimization of nursing staff.
-
Sustainable measures to ensure salaries are paid promptly in the future.
This is DNN. Development News Network.
