By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The management of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna has criticised the local chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) over its ongoing strike, insisting the hospital remains committed to saving lives.In a statement signed by the hospital’s Head of Information and Protocol, Usman Toma Haruna, management said it had engaged the union on multiple occasions before the strike, explaining that the dispute over stalled promotions was beyond the hospital’s authority.
According to the statement, the hospital currently has no governing board, making the issue an establishment matter under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Management said the Top Management Committee met twice with NANNM leaders and appealed for restraint, but the union proceeded with the strike.To minimise disruption, the Medical Director, Prof. Aishatu Yushau Armiyau, reportedly arranged for skeletal nursing services at the dialysis centre, which treats patients from Kaduna State and neighbouring states.
The statement alleged that some union officials attempted to disrupt the arrangement, but volunteer nurses continued providing care. While affirming workers’ right to strike, the hospital cautioned against actions that could endanger patients. It said management remains open to dialogue but will not abandon its responsibility to provide critical healthcare services.
