Kaduna Nurses Strike Over Welfare and Career Issues

Nurses in Kaduna have commenced a strike over welfare and career structure disputes, citing neglect by hospital management. Comrade Enwereji Uchechukwu, the union's unit chairman, reported that attempts to engage management through formal correspondence have been unsuccessful, with a letter seeking redress from last year reportedly unacknowledged and untraceable.

The strike involves 128 regular nurses, leading to critical understaffing in wards, with Uchechukwu warning of serious risks to patient safety. The union demands the recognition of entry-level nurses under the federal health institute's scheme, insisting on a proper career progression structure.

Mr. Lucki Abumer, head of finance at the hospital, acknowledged the disruption and described the situation as worrisome, noting that management had previously engaged with the union.

The matter has escalated to the federal Ministry of Health, which has expressed optimism for dialogue to restore normal services, while patient families continue to suffer due to the ongoing crisis.