Minister of state for health, Mamora tasks health workers on peace

Minister of State for Health, Olorunmibe Mamora, has appealed to health workers to constantly dialogue with government on issues affecting the sector to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the nation’s health system.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Professional Associations (AHPA) yesterday in Abuja, he said although there would always be conflict, it was important for government and the unions to respect justice and tow the path that would be beneficial to all.

Mamora, however, commended the union for the relative peace in the health sector and assured that the ministry would always listen to them to effectively address challenges in the health sector.

National Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Josiah Biobelemoye, who opposed any plans to privatise public tertiary hospitals, argued that three quarters of health institutions in the country were owned by the private sector and this has not changed Nigeria’s poor health indices.

He stressed the need to create a synergy between the health sector and the legislature for a collective better understanding of the problems confronting our health system for the benefit of making good laws.

Bioblemoye said the event was organised to honour some deserving members of the National Assembly and some members of the public who have contributed to the development of the health sector.

Speaking, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba urged government to address the issue of inequality in the country. He noted that no Nigerian should die due to inability to access quality health care and appealed to government at all levels to revamp the health sector so that Nigerians could attain better health indices.