Adeoyo State Hospital in Ibadan has been compelled to discharge most of its patients following the commencement of a seven-day nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The industrial action, which began on Wednesday, has left only critically ill patients in the wards, with no nursing staff available to attend to them.
The striking nurses are demanding an upward review of shift allowances, adjustment of uniform allowances, a separate salary structure for nurses, and increased core duty allowances.
Other key demands include mass employment of nurses and the establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
During a visit to the hospital, our correspondent observed near-empty wards, with doctors struggling to manage the few remaining patients.
Mr. Adegoke Rahman, whose mother recently underwent leg surgery, revealed that most patients had been sent home, leaving only those in critical condition. “Doctors are attending to us, but there are no nurses available,” he said.
Outpatient Mr. Samuel Biyi shared his frustration after being turned away despite needing treatment for a painful leg wound.
A doctor on duty, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that while medical doctors were working, the hospital had stopped admitting new patients and was referring critical cases to private facilities.
The Oyo State chapter of NANNM, through its Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Aina, had earlier directed all members to comply with the strike action following resolutions from the association’s national leadership.
The warning strike highlights growing tensions between healthcare workers and the federal government over longstanding welfare issues.
Patients and relatives have expressed anxiety over the situation, with many concerned about accessing proper medical care during the strike period.
Hospital authorities are advising the public to seek alternative healthcare options until the industrial action is resolved.
