Health workers’ shut down Zamfara health centers as cholera hits the state

From A. A Chakwa Gusau

The Zamfara State Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has directed members of the union to down tools and shut down health centers as discussion with the state Government is to continue today.

State public relations officer of the union Comrade Shamsudeen Sadeeq issued the directives Thursday morning.

The industrial action followed inactive response of the state Government to address the union grievances and the accusations on the state commissioner for health Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun for being selective, partial and biased in the Implementation of hundred percent salary increments as promised by Governor Dauda Lawal.

“As Strike has already begun, let’s continue and shut down everywhere while the discussion continues, as the meeting ends deadlock and agrees to reconvene tomorrow morning. Sadeeq said.

In yesterday’s statement, The state public Relations officer of the union Comrade Sadeeq further warned that disregarding the union ultimatum will definitely lead to indefinate strike.

He assigned a joint task force that would go round to the state to ensure full compliance of the union directives.

This action comes at a time when many communities in the state are suffering from the Cholera outbreak.

According to recent updates, over 1,500 suspected cases have been recorded in few weeks, primarily in hotspot areas such as Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Talata Mafara affecting 11 rural communities, including Nasarawa-Burkullu, Gurusu, and Adabka all in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

A statement by the information officer of the state ministry Suleiman Isah said, The Commissioner, Dr. Maradun, has been actively engaged in discussions with various health unions and stakeholders to create a comprehensive and equitable plan that benefits everyone.

“Governor Dauda Lawal remains fully committed to the welfare of all health workers in Zamfara State. The statement read.

Responding to the allegations of being selective, partial and biased said.

“The accusation of being “selective and biased” is unfounded and misrepresents the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve conditions across the board.

The Commissioner also confirmed the distribution of drugs and consumables for the cholera out break that hits the state.

Earlier the Union issued fifteen (15) days of ultimatum with another 24 hour fresh ultimatum to the state government to address their grievances but yesterday’s meeting ended in deadlock as no unanimous agreement was reached.