WE CONDEMN BENUE STATE’S COLLAPSED PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES UNDER GOV ALIA
We, the concerned sons and daughters of Benue State residing in the diaspora, find ourselves compelled to address the alarming collapse of public health services in our beloved state Benue, a situation that has reached a critical level due to the ongoing strike actions by our dedicated medical professionals at home. For almost two months now, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers in Benue State public hospitals have been forced to abandon their posts in protest against Governor Hyacinth Alia’s neglect of the health sector, specifically in addressing their rightful entitlements under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), among other concerns.
The current state of affairs in Benue State is nothing short of a humanitarian crisis. With the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and all General Hospitals across the 23 local government areas effectively shut down, countless patients—many of whom cannot afford the exorbitant fees charged by private health facilities—are being left to suffer and, tragically, die without access to essential medical care. This is a direct consequence of the state government’s failure to prioritize the health and well-being of its people.
We are deeply saddened by the actions, or rather the inaction, of Governor Alia. Despite the increased federal allocations following the removal of the fuel subsidy, our healthcare workers are still waiting for the governor to fulfill his promises.
The medical unions which are currently on strike in the Benue State public hospitals are the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), as well as Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU).
We understand that when the medical workers embarked on their industrial action, Governor Alia asked them to call off the strike and promised to set up a committee to look into the grievances of the health employees and the committee came up with its report and recommendations, but after one month, Governor Alia has not been reachable. The committee members have done all they can to get access to the governor, but all their attempts failed and he has not fulfilled any of his promises. The workers have also not been paid their salaries for last month.
We unequivocally condemn Governor Alia’s negligence and call for immediate action to resolve this crisis. The health of our people should not be a bargaining chip in political games or a reflection of administrative incompetence. We demand that the governor should:
1. Immediately address the outstanding salaries and entitlements owed to healthcare workers, ensuring that they are compensated for their invaluable service to the people of Benue.
2. Engage meaningfully with the medical unions to resolve the issues at hand, rather than avoiding communication and accessibility.
3. Prioritize the reconstruction of the public health system, investing in the infrastructure and resources necessary to provide quality care to all Benue people, especially the most vulnerable.
4. Commit to transparency in how state funds are allocated, particularly in the light of increased federal allocations, and ensure that these funds are directed towards improving healthcare services and other aspects of development.
As sons and daughters of Benue State, we stand in solidarity with our healthcare workers and the rest of the people who are suffering as a result of this crisis. We call upon all stakeholders—community leaders, civil society organizations, and the general populace—to unite in advocating for the restoration of our public health services. The time for action is now; our people’s lives matter.
Signed:
Dr. Cyprian Akighir (Convener)
Arch. Judith Oche (Secretary)
For
Concerned Sons and Daughters of Benue State in the Diaspora.
