The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Plateau State chapter, has alleged that JOHESU members are frustrating the activities of medical doctors, tampering with chemicals in laboratories, and locking up medicine stores at hospitals to hinder healthcare delivery.

“It is unfortunate that JOHESU members are on strike, but in most cases, (they) lock up medicine stores in hospitals and go away with the keys, just to frustrate our jobs, though we have not established with facts, but we learnt that JOHESU members do tamper with chemicals at laboratories,” the acting chairman, NMA Jos branch Dajel Bulus made the revelation to journalists during a press conference in Jos, on Friday.

Mr. Bulus said the strike by JOHESU was uncalled for, because JOHESU members do not qualify for the demands they are making.

“Of particular concern is the demand for salary parity with doctors (technically called CONHESS ADJUSTMENT). This is not only unfortunate and strange, but unrealistic, untenable and unacceptable to the Nigerian doctors.”

According to him, if the demands of the striking medical workers were met, it will be counter productive to health service delivery.

“Their demands also seek to reverse the significant gains that have been made in the past to stabilise the health sector,” he said.

The chairman expressed disappointment, stating that Plateau State and local government health workers who have joined the ongoing JOHESU strike have no justification in participating in the strike because the state government had been paying the health workers as, and, when due.

He said the governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, has strived against all financial challenges to implement one of the best salary structures for them and has continued to pay salaries regularly and passionately.

Mr. Bulus called on the striking medical workers to resume work without fear of harassment, as adequate security has been provided for all service providers.

“Other health workers willing to abstain from the ongoing unjustifiable strike are advised to resume work as adequate security has been provided for them to carry out their duties without molestation or intimidation,” he said.

Though he said no doctor in Plateau state was harassed by JOHESU member yet, doctors from other states of the federation are currently facing harassment from JOHESU members for rendering health services.

“JOHESU officials are equally advised to refrain from harassing doctors or other health workers willing to work for the benefit of humanity.”

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Plateau: NMA cautions JOHESU against sabotaging healthcare delivery