The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the constitution of the Boards of Management for Federal Health Institutions by upholding the statutory provisions of relevant Acts.
The Union also requested that the Federal Ministry of Health appoint some of its members as Chairmen of the Federal Health Institution Boards.
After a courtesy visit to the minister of health and a meeting of its National Leaders in Abuja, JOHESU made these demands in a communique signed by the National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Ado Minjibir, and National Secretary, Com Martins Egbanubi.
Those of its members who are retired Permanent Secretaries and Directors in the Civil Service, Past Presidents of Professional Associations and Trade Union Leaders, and other Seasoned Bureaucrats, and Administrators with proven track records are deemed qualified for the appointments, according to JOHESU.
JOHESU highlighted that the minister of health's attitude is encouraging, promising that all capable and tested hands will have opportunities when the Federal Government is prepared to formally constitute the Boards of Management of the Federal Health Institutions.
JOHESU suggested that creating positive momentum would have a positive impact on the Health System, with initiatives like the Drug Revolving Fund DRF being established through legislative measures to ensure proper drug procurement. Other revolving health consumables receive similar treatment in the public interest at the same time.
Expressing gratitude to the Minister, the leadership of JOHESU appreciated the promise to ensure equity and due diligence in the recruitment that the waiver clause will bring about while exploring the full latitudes of the DRF implementation in all the Federal Health Institutions.
The JOHESU leadership further resolved that there was a necessity to extensively communicate the election process to the State Councils and Branches in May 2024 to carry out a unified election across all JOHESU Sub-national organs in June 2024, advising their members to stay calm as all efforts will be made to achieve all the goals, targets, and objectives of JOHESU in the upcoming months.
