By Chioma Obinna

The two-week old industrial action embarked upon by national health workers under the auspices of Joint House  Unions and Associations may be suspended today, following the resolution reached by the consultative meeting between the striking workers, Federal Ministry of Health and members of the Presidential Committee on Industrial Harmony in the Health Sector.

It will be recalled that health workers across the nation had embarked on an indefinite strike to demand for the payment of teaching allowances for health professionals, rural posting allowances, skipping of CONHESS 10, appointment of other health professionals cadres as consultants, among others.

At the meeting, which lasted for over 30 minutes, the issue of the clarification circular issued by the National
Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, NSIWC, on the teaching and rural posting allowances in the health sector was extensively discussed.

In a joint statement by Justice Abdullahi Gusau, Director Human Resources, and representatives of the various bodies present at the meeting, it was agreed that the circular would be suspended with immediate effect.

It was also agreed by  parties that status quo be maintianed and the officers who have been earning the said
allowances before the circular was issued shall continue to be paid accordingly until the further clarifications.

On the issue of no work no pay, the meeting also agreed that no worker shall be victimised for taking part in the strike.