By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Doctors sacked in Lagos have received support from the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR) which wants their demands met, instead of firing them in the midst of coronavirus that kills indiscriminately in pandemic proportions.
CDWR said the state government engaged some healthcare workers in isolation centres without an agreement or clear terms of contract and with no detail on the insurance policy.
In its view, this is as a clear case of “crude casualisation” and indecent work practices which undermine workers’ rights and interests.
It also condemned the fact that the health workers are being owed two months’ salaries and allowances among other complaints.
A statement issued by CDWR National Chairperson, Rufus Olusesan; and Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Bosah; demanded the reinstatement of the sacked healthcare workers and payment of their allowances, including viable insurance policies for all frontline healthcare workers.
“CDWR condemns the sacking of about 30 COVID-19 volunteer healthcare workers at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba and Onikan Isolation Centre by the Lagos State government and inadequate facilities at these centres.
“This action is absurd considering the increasing spread of COVID-19 and the attendant implication on the treatment and management of patients in Lagos State,” the statement said.
“It is a known fact that these frontline healthcare workers are the ones fighting the deadly COVID-19 war, risking their lives to the extent that some contract the disease in the line of duty and a few of them have regrettably died in the process.
“Government top officials who do not risk their lives in any way, earn jumbo salaries and allowances and are the ones who are undermining the fight against the pandemic through various anti-labour policies.
“The management of the funds allocated to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State, just like the federal government and other states of the federation, has been shrouded in secrecy.”
CDWR demanded that funds allocated to health and coronavirus be managed “transparently and democratically” by elected representatives of healthcare workers and communities with regular reports published for scrutiny.
The scrutiny, it added, should include the right of recall if the representatives are found wanting or are incapable.
Lagos Medical Guild Chairman, Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo, explained that the grouses that made his members to embark on a three-day warning strike on July 13 include
- Failure by the state government to implement the COVID-19 hazard allowance and inducement allowances in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the federal government and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).
- Wage disparity between federal and Lagos doctors.
- Doctors working in COVID-19 isolation centres are owed two months’ salaries.
- Arbitrary disengagement of doctors without recourse to their terms of employment.
- Shortage of doctors in health facilities.
CWDR urged all healthcare workers and other professionals to unite and canvass for better working conditions, provision of basic healthcare amenities, additional well-equipped primary/secondary/tertiary hospitals, employment of the required numbers of healthcare workers, and meeting the health needs of all.
“We call on the NLC, TUC, ULC, NMA, Medical Guild, NANNM, and other healthcare professional bodies to support the strike action in meeting all demands as well as adequate funding and democratic management of the health sector and Covid-19 response.”