..calls for Soludo intervention else services will be terminated
Despite Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo resolve to improving the health sector in the state, there seems to be a lacuna in the manpower and welfare of the health workers in the state.
News Echo reports that the Anambra State Health Workers comprising of /Nigerian Union Of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and Joint Health Sector Union JOHESU COOUTH Amaku Awka chapter over the years suffered neglect, low income earning even as the federal government increased the minimum wage.
Speaking in a press briefing held at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Hospital (COOUTH), Spokesperson of the Union, Comrade Charles Nwoye disclosed that for over ten years now health workers in Anambra have suffered total lack in terms of welfare.
“If the government takes care of us then we are certain to take care of our patients very well. Our source of livelihood, family and social responsibilities, including routines to work need to be taken care of. If we cannot pay our rent or take our children to school comfortably or feed our families, no matter how good you are as a health professional, while your working psychologically you will be disturbed and not be able.to give full attention to your services”.
He stressed that the current struggle started last year, “although there has been a move in the last administration where we requested that Anambra state health workers be remunerated in line with what the federal workers have approved in the country since 2010. The current CONHESS salary structure that we are agitating for was approved since 2010. Since then majority of the states have adopted it and implemented it, especially all southeastern states.
In the same vein, Dr Ikedi Onah, Deputy General Secretary National Association of Midwives and Nurses, disclosed that there was no seriousness from the state government. “One of them told us that this is Anambra state, and if any of us is not OK with the salary structure, we could go to another state, and it got me shocked. Most people are not only from Anambra, and so there is a need to inform Mr Soludo. Our letters are not replied to after writing many letters. We cannot fold our hands and look. What we are asking for is not strange. There is no state that have not implemented theirs. The governor needs to hear this. We don’t want to go on strike, but come on 4th September, if nothing tangible is heard, we have no option but to embark on the purported strike. Our members believe that we the leaders have been settled and this is not a good name for our profession. We are shortchanged than other states. The same level a member in Enugu state recieves in one-month salary can settle three months of his colleague here in Anambra”.
Adding, Comrade Afam Udozor, Chairman Joint Health Sector Union, COOUTH and Anambra State Secretary, Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals said the union is of the opinion that the Anambra state governor Professor Charles Soludo should be concerned with the health of ndi Anambra. “We are fully convinced that alot of billions are spent on infrastructure including the new trauma health centre but is unaware of the ways he can help the health workers. He needs to know that those workers who render services to the patient needs to be taken care of, if not these infrastructure will be empty some day. We have been patient, our members want to go on strike and some of us look at us the leaders with suspicion. The meeting we held is not a proper meeting which equally lacks negotiation. We plead with you with the commissioner of health, Dr Obidike to take proper actions on this”.
Comrade Udozor equally frowned at the lackadaisical attitude of heads of health professionals in under state government who could not hold negotiations to calm the situation down. While pleading that urgent attention should be given to health workers in the state.
Menwhile, reacting to the above, Anambra state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike has reaffirmed that the state is committed to health worker’s welfare.
According to Obidike, “during the State Executive Council meeting held on 18th day of August,2025, Mr. Governor graciously approved the implementation of the Enhanced Entry Point for Nursing Officer Cadre meaning that the entry grade level for Nursing Officers into the State Civil Service will be grade level 10 and it is a great relief for Nursing Officers who have been agitating for this implementation for almost 20years.
Also Performance Based incentives was approved for health workers in the state meaning that after the official salary they will receive another money based on performance.
He maintained that Soludo has embarked on unprecedented investments in health infrastructure, upgrading facilities like the construction of five new general hospitals, Ultra Modern Trauma Centre and expanding access to healthcare for citizens in rural and urban areas alike through telemedicine.
He implemented welfare-enhancing measures, including training, capacity development, and deliberate plans to harmonize salaries in line with prevailing economic realities and sustainable state resources.
The government is not insensitive to the genuine concerns of health workers.
Meanwhile, Dr Obidike assured that Governor Soludo has approved the skipping of CONHESS 10 in the health sector (progression from CONHESS 9 TO 11) where applicable.
