The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has called on Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to address irregularities concerning the payment of CONHESS salary structure to health workers who have not been paid.
MHWUN Secretary General, Comrade Auwal Yusuf Kiyawa, made the call during a National Women Leadership Development Workshop in Enugu, emphasizing that other states have fully implemented the CONHESS salary structure.
Comrade Kiyawa expressed confidence that Governor Mbah, known for paying salaries as at when due, would not want Enugu State to be isolated from other states that have implemented the CONHESS salary structure.
The union leader thanked Governor Mbah for providing a conducive environment for the workshop, describing the event as encouraging, motivating, and lovely.
The workshop, themed “Empowered to Lead: Advancing Women Skills in Trade Union Leadership toward Just Transition in Health Sector,” aimed to build women’s leadership skills and promote their participation in nation-building.
National President of MHWUN, Kabiru Ado Sani, highlighted the importance of building women’s capacity to thrive in leadership roles, acknowledging challenges faced by women in the workplace, including discrimination and gender-based violence.
“To address these challenges, the union is committed to building advocacy around issues of gender equality and equity, social justice, and just transition”. Sani said.
Mrs. Nnenna Juliet Oriedu, Chairman of MHWUN Enugu State Council, in an address, emphasized that while other unions under the JOHESU umbrella have been paid their CONHESS salary structure, core medical and health workers, including porters and health attendants, are yet to receive theirs.
“We have our members drawn from the ESUT Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Ministry of Health, Poly Clinic, most of them are in state management board
“We have others in the veterinary services in the Ministry of Agriculture. They are all health workers”. Oriedu stated
“We are hoping that the governor in his magnanimity will pay our workers as others received theirs in August last year. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander” Oriedu stated.
Dr. Mrs Oriedu also requested that Governor Mbah support the Enugu State Council with a plot of land and a bus to build a permanent secretariat.
The workshop brought together women leaders from various unions to share experiences and gain skills to excel in leadership positions. It aimed to provide a platform for women to develop their leadership skills and contribute to the union’s agenda for gender mainstreaming. The union’s initiative to develop women’s leadership skills started in 2008, with gender mainstreaming efforts ongoing since 2003.
The National Chairperson called on State Chairmen and union leaders to deepen their commitment to gender inclusion, actively involving women in union activities and decision-making processes.
The union’s appeal to Governor Mbah highlights the need for prompt action to address the CONHESS salary irregularities and support the development of health workers in Enugu State. By addressing these issues, the state can ensure a more equitable and just healthcare system for all its citizens.
In a related development, MHWUN has also urged the Federal Government to alleviate widespread hardship and revitalize the healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for prompt implementation of the new national minimum wage and improvement of healthcare infrastructure.
