NANNM Chairman Blames Hospital Managers’ “Poor Attitude” Toward Welfare

The ongoing indefinite strike by nurses in Benue State has taken a sharper tone as the state chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Tahav Kershio, openly accused hospital management across the state of displaying a persistent “poor attitude” toward the welfare and well-being of nurses.

Speaking on Saturday during the 50th birthday celebration of a respected nursing leader, Mrs. Priscilla Adzo, Comrade Kershio said the current industrial action, which has paralyzed healthcare delivery in government-owned hospitals, is a direct consequence of years of neglect, broken promises, and outright disregard for the plight of nurses by hospital administrators.

“The strike we are witnessing today did not happen in a vacuum,” Kershio declared. “It is the cumulative result of hospital managers consistently neglecting the welfare of nurses despite repeated appeals, agitations, and promises that were never fulfilled.”

He lamented that issues bordering on poor remuneration, hazardous working conditions, shortage of staff, lack of equipment, and general welfare packages have been raised severally with hospital management and relevant authorities, yet little or no concrete action has been taken.

While using the occasion to celebrate Mrs. Priscilla Adzo as an astute and dedicated comrade, the NANNM chairman seized the moment to rally members, urging all nurses in the state to remain united and resolute.

“I call on every nurse in Benue State to stay committed to the decision of the union. Do not be intimidated, do not be distracted. We are in this together, and we will see it through,” he said.

Kershio also appealed to the Benue State government to intervene urgently, prioritize dialogue with the striking nurses, and take decisive steps to address their legitimate demands in order to end the impasse and restore normal healthcare services to the people.

He reaffirmed his personal commitment and that of the entire state executive of NANNM to continue fighting until tangible improvements in welfare, working conditions, and remuneration are secured for nurses across the state.

The strike, which entered its second week, has left many patients stranded, with only skeletal services being offered in most public health facilities in Benue State. Civil society groups and patients’ relatives have continued to appeal for a quick resolution, warning that the prolonged action is already taking a heavy toll on vulnerable citizens who depend on government hospitals.

As it stands, all eyes are now on the state government and hospital management boards to see whether they will finally heed the long-standing grievances of the nurses or allow the health sector to remain grounded indefinitely.