The Assembly of Health Care Professionals of Katsina State has suspended its seven-day warning strike following the state government’s commitment to address unresolved issues involving the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and professional allowances.
The assembly’s chairman, Ibrahim-Balange, announced the suspension in a statement issued in Katsina on Sunday, October 18, following a meeting with Gov. Dikko Radda on October 16. He said the suspension took effect at midnight on October 18 and directed members to resume full clinical and administrative services across health facilities in the state.
The assembly had announced plans to embark on the warning strike on October 14 over unresolved issues concerning salary structure implementation and professional allowances.
Ibrahim-Balange said the state government had agreed to reopen negotiations with the assembly through a Technical Roundtable and comprehensively review 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 entitlements under the salary structure.
According to him, the government also committed to resolving the CONHESS 10 skipping issue for qualified officers in accordance with the Scheme of Service.
The chairman added that the government had agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee with clearly defined terms of reference and a timeline for addressing outstanding issues affecting health professionals.
Ibrahim-Balange 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 and commended Radda for his response and intervention.
The chairman assured members that the assembly remained committed to protecting their welfare and professional interests.
He said the suspension was expected to restore normal clinical and administrative services in public health facilities across the state.
