JOHESU STRIKE: UNIBADAN CLINICAL DENTAL STUDENTS AFFECTED
Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU) is a union of all health workers apart from doctors and dentists. It involves the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, and Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions, and Assembly of Health Care Professional Association (AHPA).
According to their letter, the union alleges that there are “inconsistencies in the ongoing negotiations to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers.” They are also demanding the “immediate payment of the omission and shortfall in the COVID-19 hazard/inducement allowances of affected health workers in the federal health institution” amongst other things.
It is important to note that this strike commenced only a few days after the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) called off their 5-day warning strike on Monday, 22nd May, 2023. We must also note that, as in all cases of strike actions in institutions of learning such as those affiliated with JOHESU, the students of the aforementioned institutions are usually at the receiving end especially those undergoing clinical rotations and this particular strike action is no different.
While there has largely been no significant change in the schedules of preclinical dental students in University of Ibadan, College of Medicine, clinical dental students on the other hand, especially those in their fifth and sixth year, have not been able to go through their clinical rotations as the members of JOHESU have gone as far as locking up the dental clinics and some of the theatres in the University College Hospital (UCH), thereby preventing patients from receiving care. Moreso, it has deprived these dental students of the clinical experience necessary for their training and eventual practice upon graduation.
Dentatics Press interviewed a number of clinical students and here is what they have to say about the the strike and consequently being locked out of clinics:
"This is sad because we are just getting to see clinical cases after a series of exams that destabilized our calendar. To be honest, I consider this strike a lot damaging to my academic progression. I am of the opinion that if JOHESU members are going on strike, they should not lock out the entire clinic. Doctors are not on strike and they should be allowed to do their work to the extent possible. I also think emergency services should also be allowed. Again, this speaks to the value we place on human lives in Nigeria. I hope there is a resolution soon" - Mr David Adetula, 500L.
"I don’t see any positive side to it to be honest save that we are still having our lectures. I hope they get their demands because if they don’t, what would be the point of the strike, after locking clinics? I strongly hope we don’t have any more strikes before I graduate" - Miss Anu Salami, 500L.
"The strike hasn’t affected me in any way as a clinical student but it has affected other people. Surgeries are being delayed because some theatres are locked. There is a patient I know on the ward that could not have his surgery yesterday. The dental students rotating through surgery in my class can’t go to theatre and some clinics are not open either" – An anonymous member, 400L class.
"Yesterday, there was no water on a ward. Our lectures were also delayed because seminar rooms were locked. I believe every person is important in the health sector because if a part of the system is affected, then everybody gets affected and patients bear the brunt, hence those in authority should attend to JOHESU’s demands as a matter of priority." – An anonymous member, 400L class.
"I have more free time because of JOHESU strike. At first I felt conflicted because I was wondering how we would finish our procedures and graduate on time but there’s nothing we can do about it" - Miss Oreoluwa Adeyemo, 600L.
"Everyday is a major hustle to get requirements. As clinical students, we need the constant flow of patients to get things done. I am not talking down on the validity of their protest, I just don’t appreciate the fact that it’s affecting our schedule" - Mr Alao David, 600L.
"The strike is a Nigerian thing so I am not particularly shocked. I have experienced a lot of strike actions and this is no different. The only way this is peculiar to me is because I am in final year and I just want to graduate as fast as possible. Though the strike has given me some reprieve from the burden of clinical work, my fear is that it will elongate the already long session." - Mr Akinlolu Akinjola, 600L.
"My only concern is if the federal government refuses to meet their demands. This would mean a continued closure of the clinics and no moving forward for us" – Miss Kafayat, 500L.
With all that has been said and done, the question that comes to the fore is, how long will this strike go on considering that the Federal Government has allegedly shown a nonchalant and lackadaisical attitude towards JOHESU’S demands, according to Dr Obinna Ogbonna, current National Vice President of JOHESU?
Temiloluwa Adeniyi-Aogo
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