By Attahiru Ahmed
Copyright tribuneonlineng
The Zamfara State government, through its Ministry of Health, has addressed the upcoming strike action proposed by the Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN) in the state, emphasizing that the health and safety of citizens is their top priority.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nafisa Mohammed Maradun, acknowledged the issues raised by the union.
The health commissioner urged the union to “reconsider this action and return to the negotiation table to find a mutually beneficial solution.”
According to her, the government “acknowledge the concerns raised by the union and wish to clarify the government’s position and actions.
“Our goal is to ensure a healthy and productive workforce that can effectively serve the people, especially during critical public health challenges like the current cholera outbreak.
“The government’s recent decision to implement a salary increase was a strategic step aimed at motivating and retaining our dedicated medical professionals. This measure was part of a phased approach to addressing the remuneration of all health workers.
“The accusation of being “selective and biased” is unfounded and misrepresents the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve conditions across the board.
“It is disheartening that the union has chosen to embark on a strike at a time when our collective focus should be on containing the cholera outbreak, which has affected several communities. The health and safety of Zamfara citizens are our top priority.
“The Zamfara state government distributed cholera medical consumables and drugs to affected local government areas.
“The government also provides water, sanitation and hygiene services. The government has also provided free drugs at the Infectious Disease Hospital, which is staffed with qualified doctors.
“The Ministry of Health, led by the Honourable Commissioner, remains open to dialogue with MHWUN and all other unions to resolve any outstanding issues amicably,” the statement concluded.
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