Patients and their caregivers in Katsina State have appealed to Governor Dikko Umar Radda to intervene urgently in the ongoing strike by health professionals, saying the disruption of services in public hospitals has left families worried about the health and safety of their loved ones.
At the Turai Yar’adua Maternal and Child Hospital in Katsina on Friday morning, the effects of the industrial action were apparent, as only a few patients were seen around the surgical ward while caregivers struggled with uncertainty over the treatment of their relatives.
For some families, the disagreement over workers’ remuneration has turned into an agonising wait for medical attention, with the conditions of their sick relatives worsening their anxiety.
Among those affected was a patient reportedly experiencing complications following surgery.
The patient’s caregiver, Aina’u Abdulmajid, appealed emotionally to the state government to intervene and ensure the resumption of normal hospital services.
“For the sake of God, we call on the government to intervene. Our patient is suffering from complications arising from surgery. Please help us and restore services,” she pleaded.
Her plea reflects the difficulties faced by families who rely on public hospitals for treatment but have become trapped between an unresolved labour dispute and the urgent need for medical care.
Another caregiver, Sulaiman Mansir, said he had taken his sick child to the hospital for treatment but encountered disruptions caused by the strike.
Mansir voiced concern about the uncertainty surrounding his child’s treatment and urged the government to engage the striking health professionals to settle the disagreement without further delay.
The industrial action has worsened the challenges facing families already struggling with transportation costs, the prices of medicines and other medical expenses.
Health professionals reject 15 per cent pay increase
The Assembly of Health Professionals embarked on a one-week warning strike following a disagreement with the Katsina State Government over the welfare and remuneration of its members.
The state government reportedly proposed a 15 per cent increase during negotiations, but the Assembly rejected the offer, insisting that it did not meet its demands.
The Katsina State Government has acknowledged proposing the 15 per cent increase, which the Assembly of Health Professionals turned down.
The Head of the Katsina State Civil Service, Masa’ud Almustapha Banye, said the government had met with representatives of the Assembly and expressed hope that the dispute would be resolved soon.
Banye said the government recognised the hardship patients were experiencing because of the industrial action, adding that Governor Radda remained committed to ensuring effective healthcare delivery across the state.
