PSN Raises Alarm Over National Health Crisis as JOHESU Strike Shuts Down Federal Institutions

The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, has sounded the alarm over the paralysis of federal health institutions, describing the ongoing JOHESU/AHPA strike as “a national health emergency that cannot be allowed to persist.” Tanko spoke during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, where he led a delegation of PSN leaders and past presidents.

“All 73 Federal Health Institutions are shut down,” Tanko said, expressing concern that the four-day strike has crippled the nation’s health system. He warned that the shutdown of hospitals and related facilities is having a debilitating effect on healthcare delivery.

The strike, which began on November 15 after a 15-day ultimatum expired, involves members of JOHESU/AHPA who constitute roughly 85 per cent of Nigeria’s health workforce. Tanko explained that the industrial action is over a 12-year demand for adjustments to CONHESS salaries, similar to previous adjustments made for CONMESS in 2014, 2017, and 2018.

“This dispute has sparked national strikes in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025. Such repeated disruptions are unacceptable,” he said.

Tanko also reminded the SGF that the National Salaries and Wages Commission recommended the outstanding CONHESS adjustments in 2022, a report that has since been with the Budget Office. “It is time for decisive action,” he said, commending recent progress by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and urging that momentum be maintained.

The PSN President offered the Society’s support in mediation efforts, stating: “We stand ready to assist the Federal Government in resolving this impasse quickly.”

Tanko further highlighted the PSN’s preparations for its Centenary Celebration on March 26, 2027, marking 100 years since its founding in 1927. Planned activities include health outreaches, public enlightenment campaigns, a series of lectures, high-level policy engagements, and initiatives to expand Good Pharmacy Practice nationwide.

He also announced a ₦5 billion Endowment Levy to advance pharmacy education and research, reinforcing the Society’s commitment to global standards and national development.

Tanko emphasised the SGF’s key role in the centenary celebrations and reaffirmed the PSN’s willingness to collaborate fully with the government. He concluded by urging swift action to address the crisis threatening the country’s healthcare sector.