The Assembly of Health Care Professionals of Katsina State has suspended its seven-day warning strike following fresh commitments by Gov. Dikko Radda to address its demands.
The Chairman of the assembly, Mr Ibrahim-Balange, announced the suspension in a statement issued in Katsina on Sunday.
The suspension, which took effect at midnight on Oct. 18, followed a meeting between the association and Gov. Radda on Oct. 16.
Ibrahim-Balange said the decision followed the state government’s commitment to reopen negotiations with the association and comprehensively review the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and professional allowances.
He said the government also agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee to address outstanding issues affecting health professionals.
He directed members to resume full clinical and administrative services across health facilities in the state from Oct. 18.
According to him, the commitments include the immediate reopening of negotiations through a Technical Roundtable and the review and implementation of CONHESS in line with existing circulars.
He said the review would cover professional allowances, including hazard, call duty and shift duty allowances, as well as other CONHESS-related entitlements.
Ibrahim-Balange added that the government had also committed to resolving the CONHESS 10 skipping issue for qualified officers in accordance with the Scheme of Service.
He said the proposed Joint Technical Committee would operate with clearly defined terms of reference and a timeline for addressing the outstanding issues.
The chairman said the assembly unanimously agreed to suspend the industrial action after carefully considering the commitments made by the governor.
He appreciated members for their cooperation, resilience and solidarity throughout the strike.
Ibrahim-Balange also commended Gov. Radda for his prompt response and intervention, assuring members that the association remained committed to protecting their welfare and professional interests.
The chairman noted that the suspension “is expected to restore normal clinical and administrative services in public health facilities across the state.”
The association had announced its plan to embark on the warning strike on Oct. 14, over unresolved issues concerning salary structure implementation and professional allowances.
