ABUJA—Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said, yesterday, that Federal Government would ensure hospitals were not shut to the public despite the strike by health workers.

The health workers, under the umbrella of the Joint Health Sector Unions, JHSU, declared an indefinite nationwide strike, Monday, following the failure of both parties to resolve their differences after a 15-day warning strike.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Health Minister expressed surprise at the strike, despite ongoing talks between the union and government.

Vowing to ensure that hospital services were not crippled, Prof. Chukwu said: “My job is to make sure that my hospitals are functioning. We will target our efforts at ensuring that.”

Areas of contention are: salary CONHESS 10; National Health Bill, Presidential Committee Report on Harmony in the Health Sector, promotion of health professionals from CONHESS 14 to 15; consultancy and specialist allowance and call/shift and other professional allowances.

Others are  implementa-tion of 2008 Job Evaluation Committee Report, re-constitution of board of managements of teaching and other tertiary hospitals, need for review of retirement ages and appointment of ministers of health.

”There is no reason for the present strike. Nigerians are tired. We are beginning loose our sense of direction.

“All these are not serious issues to embark on strike upon and at the expense of the masses. This issue cannot amount to industrial dispute. I appeal to them to continue with the dialogue.”