By Doris Obinna
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), has warned Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare over what it described as the deliberate sabotage of the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre implementation in Federal Health Institutions (FHIs), particularly in Lagos State.
In a petition to the minister, Prof. Ali Pate, JOHESU stated its disapproval of the continued opposition from some medical stakeholders, especially the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
“We are deeply concerned that despite clear government circulars and resolutions reached at high-level conciliatory meetings, there is still a visible attempt to frustrate the implementation of the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre,” Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU official.
The union warned that persistent violations and intimidation would no longer be tolerated. It emphasized that failure to take appropriate corrective actions within the coming weeks would force JOHESU to implement measures to enforce compliance.
JOHESU reminded the government that the Consultant Pharmacist Circular was a critical component of the memorandum of understanding signed during a tripartite conciliation meeting on October 29, 2024, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
A follow-up resolution from December 20, 2024, directed the Federal Ministry of Health to apply sanctions against noncompliant FHIs after March 31, 2025.
“It is shocking that, despite this clear directive, some Chief Medical Directors and Managing Directors are still dragging their feet, and worse, facing intimidation from professional associations,” the union stated.
JOHESU condemned a recent press release from the Lagos NMA, which reportedly called for the reversal of Consultant Pharmacist appointments in Lagos FHIs and threatened industrial action against noncompliant CEOs. The union described the move as unethical and an act of professional bullying that undermines established government policy.
Calling for immediate enforcement of sanctions, JOHESU urged the Federal Ministry of Health to act decisively, warning that failure to do so would only embolden opposition to the policy.
The union also reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of all health professionals under its coalition, which includes the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).