The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Emeka Wogu has appealed to the striking workers to suspend the action in the interest of the nation, as the industrial action declared by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) enters its sixth day.

Speaking in Abuja, at a meeting convened by the minister to resolve the dispute, the minister expressed optimism that the issues in contention will be resolved amicably.

The joint health sector union is demanding the payment of call/shift duty allowance, consultancy and specialist allowance and the issue of the federal government’s refusal to allow them skip level ten of the consolidated health workers salary structure.

In attendance at the meeting were the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, Head of Service, Mr Bukar Goni Aji and officials of the union.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Osahon Enabulele and the Secretary General, Dr Akpufuoma Pemu, say public hospitals will continue to remain open for consultation in addition to the labour wards which remain open.

In a joint statement, the association advised that Nigerians with health challenges to visit public hospitals to consult their doctors in the outpatient departments, accident and emergency units, laboratory, antenatal clinic, and other departments.

The association acknowledged the sacrifice and deep sense of understanding exhibited by some allied healthcare workers in some parts of the country who resolved to remain at their duty post to continue with the task of attending to health seeking Nigerians.

NMA however restated that it has nothing against the right of any group or individual to determine how best to achieve its objectives but added that no group or union has monopoly over the use of strike actions in seeking the actualization of its objectives.