The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the constitution of the Boards of Management of the Federal Health Institutions. 

The union equally asked the government to place a premium on the statutory provisions of establishing the University Teaching Hospitals Act, the Federal Medical Centres Act, Psychiatric, Orthopaedic Management Hospitals Act as well as those other specialist hospitals without enabling Acts of parliament.

The Union also urged the Federal Ministry of Health to appoint some of its members as Chairmen of the Federal Health Institution Boards.

JOHESU made these demands in a communique signed by the National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Ado Minjibir and National Secretary, Comrade Martins Egbanubi, and issued after a courtesy visit to the minister of health and a meeting of its National Leaders in Abuja.

It posited that 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 qualified for the appointments.

JOHESU said it is encouraged by the attitude of the minister of health that all capable and tested hands would be given opportunities when the Federal Government is in a position to formally constitute the Boards of Management of the Federal Health Institutions.

JOHESU canvassed that it would generate positive momentum which will positively impact the Health System with endeavours like the Drug Revolving Fund DRF being entrenched through legislative action to guarantee proper procurement of drugs. At the same time, other revolving health consumables receive similar treatment in the public interest.

The leadership of JOHESU expressed its gratitude to the Minister who promised 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.

Furthermore, JOHESU leadership resolved that there was a need to widely communicate the election process to the State Councils and Branches in May 2024 to conduct a unified election across all JOHESU Sub-national organs in June 2024, urging their members to be calm as efforts will be maximized to attain all the goals, targets and objectives of JOHESU in the months ahead.