Abuja: The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals (CCMDFTH) has called on health sector unions to embrace dialogue, industrial harmony, and collaboration for the benefit of patients nationwide. This appeal comes amid ongoing and potential industrial actions that threaten to disrupt healthcare services across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Chairman Prof. Saad Ahmed, Secretary Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, and PRO Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, highlighted the committee’s deep concern over the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the planned strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) set to begin on January 12. The committee recalled its previous communiqu© from the 112th Regular Meeting and Annual General Meeting in December 2025, urging stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues to prevent prolonged disruptions, which exacerbate Nigeria’s health crisis.
The committee acknowledged the legitimate concerns and welfare aspirations of health workers, describing JOHESU and NARD as indispensable partners who sustain services under challenging circumstances. It appealed for restraint, understanding, and renewed engagement in constructive dialogue as the most sustainable path forward.
The statement stressed the severe hardships imposed on patients by prolonged disruptions in federal tertiary hospitals, particularly those critically ill individuals reliant on timely interventions, where consequences of delay could be irreversible. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to minimizing service disruptions within its statutory authority but cautioned that no contingency arrangement could fully replace the collective presence, expertise, and experience of health workers across all federal facilities.
The CCMDFTH urged JOHESU to suspend its ongoing strike and NARD to reconsider its planned industrial action. It encouraged all parties to prioritize dialogue, mutual trust, and good-faith negotiations to resolve outstanding issues responsibly and promptly. The committee emphasized its readiness to support all sincere efforts fostering industrial harmony, strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, protecting lives, preserving professional solidarity, and upholding the noble calling of healthcare service to humanity.
NAN reports that JOHESU’s indefinite strike began on November 15, 2025, severely disrupting services across federal health facilities nationwide. The industrial action has taken a toll on patients and has halted several critical healthcare operations.