The Federal Government has warned members of the striking Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) against harassing doctors and other health workers.
The ongoing JOHESU strike action which has entered its fourth week now has been compounded with the recent directive to state and local council to join the strike action.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole also stated that the union does not have the right to lock up government health facilities.
The statement which was signed by Mr. Olajide Oshundun, Assistant Director, Media and Publicity also directed heads of medical institutions to provide adequate security for working members.
The statement reads: “In as much as members of JOHESU have the right to embark on strike, they do not have the constitutional right to harass other health workers including members of JOHESU who choosed to work and
“JOHESU members DO NOT have right to lock-up government facilities.
“The Federal government would not accept nor condone any act of irresponsibility and disobedience to constituted authorities, adding that all locked health facilities should be opened immediately to enable the facilities provide required services while negotiation continues.
“The Honorable Minister further re-iterates that all Heads of medical institutions should as a matter of urgency provide adequate security for the working members of staff and any person found disturbing the peace in any health facility should be made to face the law.”
Only recently, the President of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Ugochukwu Chinaka, had accused members of JOHESU of harassing and molesting members of NARD and other medical officers at their respective duty posts.
JOHESU members were also accused of locking- up government health facilities to prevent access to those who are not on strike.