Health workers down tools as 50 members test positive for COVID-19

Coalition of Nasarawa State Health Professional Associations, an umbrella body of health workers in the state have embarked on an indefinite strike action after 50 of its members tested positive for COVID-19 due to inadequate personal protective gears and other demands.

Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the state, Dr Bulus Umaru Peter who disclosed this in Lafia yesterday, said its members could no longer continue to work under a hazardous environment amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, they were compelled to embark on an indefinite strike action after an initial seven days warning strike to press for “several legitimate demands” which include non-implementation of promotion, new minimum wage, hazard allowance, life insurance and annual increment for over 10 years, amongst others.

According to him, the state government has failed to show any seriousness in addressing the demands of the health workers, hence, the need for the strike action.