JOHESU Strike Grounds Federal Health Institutions Nationwide, PSN Warns of Looming National Health Emergency

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has warned that the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) has crippled federal health institutions across the country, posing what it describes as a “national health emergency.”

The President of PSN, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, raised the alarm during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, where he led a delegation of the Society’s leadership and past presidents.

“All 73 Federal Health Institutions Are Shut Down”

Tanko expressed deep concern over the scale of the disruption, noting that the strike had entered its fourth day with significant consequences.

“We are deeply worried because all 73 Federal Health Institutions and several non-hospital facilities have been completely paralysed in the last four days. The impact is debilitating and threatens the stability of our health system,” he said.

He explained that JOHESU/AHPA members—who constitute about 85 per cent of the nation’s health workforce—embarked on the indefinite strike on November 15 after a 15-day ultimatum expired.

According to him, the demand centres on a 12-year agitation for the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), similar to the adjustments granted to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in 2014, 2017 and 2018.

Tanko lamented that the same issue had led to nationwide strikes in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2025, calling the repeated crises unsustainable.

PSN Offers to Support Government Mediation Efforts

The PSN President reminded the SGF that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) recommended the payment of the CONHESS adjustment as far back as 2022.

“The report is already with the Budget Office. We believe the time has come for decisive action,” he said.

Tanko urged the government to sustain the progress made in recent engagements with health unions, expressing confidence that JOHESU leadership would respond positively once due process is activated.

He also pledged the support of the PSN in mediating and resolving the dispute. “We wish to offer a helping hand to the Federal Government in resolving this impasse as quickly as possible,” he stated.

PSN Unveils Plans for 2027 Centenary Celebration

During the visit, Tanko briefed the SGF on preparations for the Society’s 100th anniversary scheduled for March 26, 2027.

“The PSN, founded in 1927, is Nigeria’s oldest professional body. We will be one hundred years old in 2027, and we intend to celebrate this milestone with a befitting national programme,” he said.

He outlined activities planned for the centenary, including nationwide medical outreaches, public enlightenment campaigns, thematic lectures, high-level policy engagements, and initiatives aimed at deepening Good Pharmacy Practice.

Tanko also announced the planned launch of a ₦5 billion Endowment Levy dedicated to strengthening pharmacy education and expanding research capacity in the sector.

He informed the SGF that he would play an important role in key aspects of the celebration. “Today’s engagement effectively puts you on notice,” he told Senator Akume.

Call for Urgent Government Intervention

The PSN emphasised its commitment to continued collaboration with the Federal Government, stressing that resolving the ongoing health sector crisis must be treated as a matter of national priority.

“We assure Your Excellency that the PSN will continue to collaborate maximally with government,” Tanko said, urging swift action to restore services in the affected health institutions.

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