JOHESU: COURT TAKES OVER NEGOTIATIONS. ORDERS JOHESU TO SUSPEND STRIKE

The National Industrial Court, Abuja, says it has taken over the negotiations between the Federal Government and the Joint Health Sector Union in its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre.

The ruling of the court was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, National Publicity Secretary, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Ifeanyi, the court in its ruling ordered the union and government to nominate their representatives in the ADR process within 24 hours.

“The agreement reached at the ADR centre will be registered in the court as judgment binding on both parties.

“JOHESU is to initiate the process of allowing normalcy to return to hospitals within three days,” the spokesman said.

You recall that the court had earlier on May 17 ordered the aggrieved members of JOHESU to suspend the protracted strike and resume duties across the nation within 24 hours.

The President of the court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, gave the order after listening to the submissions of Mr Okere Nnamdi, in an ex-parte motion filed by a non-governmental organisation.

The NGO, Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, in the motion prayed the court to direct the workers to resume work and go back to negotiation table.

In his ruling, Adejumo ordered the Ministers of Health and Labour, among other respondents, to immediately set up a committee to address issues raised by labour.

The judge ordered that the parties should arrive at an acceptable and amicable solution in the interest of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the industrial action.

Recall that Mr Josiah Biobelemoye, National Chairman of JOHESU, on May 28 in a statement assured that the union would soon resolve the strike sequel to the intervention of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Also further recall that JOHESU embarked on the strike on April 17, to press home its demands for improved healthcare facilities, upward adjustment of CONHESS salary scale, and employment of additional health professionals, among others.

-(NAN)

JOHESU STRIKE: COURT ORDERS FG, JOHESU BACK TO NEGOTIATION TABLE

The National Industrial Court, Abuja, says it has taken over the negotiations between the Federal Government and the Joint Health Sector Union in its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre.

The ruling of the court was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, National Publicity Secretary, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Ifeanyi, the court in its ruling ordered the union and government to nominate their representatives in the ADR process within 24 hours.

“The agreement reached at the ADR centre will be registered in the court as judgment binding on both parties.

“JOHESU is to initiate the process of allowing normalcy to return to hospitals within three days,” the spokesman said.

You recall that the court had earlier on May 17 ordered the aggrieved members of JOHESU to suspend the protracted strike and resume duties across the nation within 24 hours.

The President of the court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, gave the order after listening to the submissions of Mr Okere Nnamdi, in an ex-parte motion filed by a non-governmental organisation.

The NGO, Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, in the motion prayed the court to direct the workers to resume work and go back to negotiation table.

In his ruling, Adejumo ordered the Ministers of Health and Labour, among other respondents, to immediately set up a committee to address issues raised by labour.

The judge ordered that the parties should arrive at an acceptable and amicable solution in the interest of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the industrial action.

Recall that Mr Josiah Biobelemoye, National Chairman of JOHESU, on May 28 in a statement assured that the union would soon resolve the strike sequel to the intervention of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Also further recall that JOHESU embarked on the strike on April 17, to press home its demands for improved healthcare facilities, upward adjustment of CONHESS salary scale, and employment of additional health professionals, among others.

-(NAN)

JOHESU: AN OBJECTIVE NIGERIAN'S MESSAGE TO YOU- DO NOT BOW OUT NOW

I broke the news of your impending sack to you last week, which was confirmed yesterday by the circular from the Ministry of Health.

Today, you are faced between immediate comfort and lasting liberation from the shackles of professional colonialism.

Today, you are faced between living without
salaries as a result of the sack or to go back to work and be paid the peanuts you currently earn as a trained, experienced, licensed and academically qualified health professionals.

Today, Nigerians have sent me as a mouthpiece to deliver this message to you.

To JOHESU leaders: Do know this today, that the prison was made for three kind of people -

1.)  REAL CRIMINALS,

2.)  PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE AND, of course

3.)  POLITICAL PRISONERS. 
You belong to the second and third categories.

The prison doors will be thrown wide open for daring to disobey the government, but do not fret.

They will send the SSS after you and
throw you inside the underground cells, all in a bid to weaken you, but again, do not fret or be intimidated by the instruments of the state.

Also note this today, that it's the same you who will treat the security officials that would be sent to arrest you, when they are sick. Mark their faces very well when they come.

Take note of their names and if possible their lineages'. When they, or any of their family, get sick and needs your experienced / anointed healing hands after this whole saga, remind them of how they (security agencies) joined the government to nail you for fighting for your
rights.

DO NOT ever fall for the Senate President's meeting and then call off the strike, PL-EA-SE! Nigerian govt never keeps to promises.

If you call off the strike today out of fear or due to the carrot plea of Dr Bukola Saraki, know that you will never rise again
and no one will take you seriously when you call out strike actions next time, again.

Never in the face of threat yield to the oppressors. This because your demands are 100% just, fair and right. You cannot be a senior Nurse/Midwife earning a paltry sum of N150,000 while the new comer, fresh graduate medical doctor earns over N313,000. Same pay that would take an experienced, long served, academically qualified nurse, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists etc nine years to earn. Note that, a senior medical officer (doctor) is already earning over half a million bucks. That's well and over the earnings of a chief matron, chief med lab scientists, chief pharmacists' etc irrespective of your fields of specialization/expertise long after graduation.

Do not be moved by the fears of tomorrow for no one can replace you. 
The battle is not about you but saving the entire medical profession, in line with international best practices and the unborn generations.

Save the future children from having to go through this road again by ignoring the government and staying in your homes, do your private practice, come up with ideas and if possible, migrate out of this country to foreign lands, where relativity in salaries is determined by your level of specialty and expertise, not by the donkey years in school.

You have everything right to disobey the government of the day. They have disobeyed the court orders again and again, so it's not new to us. Let them employ the new hands and we all watch who will give the new employees licences to practice when the ones they parade expires.

You have shown courage in the face of injustice for years and if this is the breaking point, so be it.

Sew your prison uniforms and write your names on gold. Nigerians will daily pay you visit in prison to show solidarity. We are with you all the way.

Even if the admin staff among you want to resume, let them resume, but
the clinicians and professionals among you should ignore this government, while telling your children, wards and
relatives on the need to get their PVC to vote out this cluelessness.

If the Pathologists claim to own the laboratory, the doors
have been left open for them since, let them do the work.

If the pharmacologist and radiologists claims to own the pharmacy and radiography departments, the keys are there for them to work.

Oh, if the medical doctors claim to own the patients, now the Nurses/Midwives are no longer there, so let them take over the jobs and demand for extra pay if they want.

The field has been left open, let those who claim to own the appellation 'Dr' and the self aclaimed master of all medical knowledge do the jobs of others.

JOHESU MUST NOT BOW NOW . You have come too far to go back to Egypt now. If your FULL promotional arrears is not paid, consultancy status granted, headship of hospitals and Ministry of Health given to all, retirement age adjusted, adjustment in CONHESS (very important) and equipping of the hospitals done, then do not back down on this strike.

Nigerians will be fine. We will patronise private hospitals. We will come on our own to the labs for test and scan. We will go to the pharmacy to get our drugs.
We will be fine, but liberate yourselves first, just like Christ said "Physician, cure thy self".

Be steadfast and resolute. Freedom has never been gotten on a platter of gold.
Let every member get this message from Nigerians.

Happy Democracy Day
Signed: Fejiro Oliver
On behalf of Nigerians.

Received & shared. Please give it the widest share to all concerned. 

JOHESU INSISTS ON GOING ON WITH STRIKE ACTION

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) on Monday said it would continue its ongoing nationwide strike until the Federal Government implement certain agreements reached between the two parties on Sept. 30, 2017.

JOHESU disclosed this at a peaceful rally organised by its national body in Abuja, saying it would not be deterred by the court’s injunction compelling its members to return to work.

Mr Josiah Biobelemoye, National Chairman of the union said the rally was aimed at updating members with current developments regarding the ongoing strike, including the recent court order.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Industrial Court (NIC) gave an order on May 25, 2018 compelling JOHESU to call off the strike, which began on April 18.

Biobelemoye emphasised that the union had every right to obey or challenge the court order.

“I own members the responsibility to update them on happenings between us and the government to enable them take decisive position. And whatever they decide is final.

“We call on the government to implement our upward adjustment and other things as contained in the agreement of Sept. 30, 2017.

“No going back on the strike until those things are met’’ he said.

He noted that since the union embarked on strike on April 18, the federal government had met with the leadership eight times.

He however, described the meetings as one step forward and two steps backward.

He mentioned that the amount of money owed the union is N22.6billion and added that due to the intervention of the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission it had been reduced to N16.5 billion.

He said JOHESU’s agreement on the reduction of the entitlement from N22.6 billion to N16. 5 billion was geared toward ensuring lasting solutions to the crisis.

“I urge you to stand up for your right, do not yield to pressure or threat in whatever form by the government.

“Hence, we are not going back to work until they pay us our full entitlement,” he reiterated.

CODEINE SYRUP BAN: ASSOCIATED WITHDRAWAL SYNDROMES MANAGEMENT, PART 1

DEFINITION

WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME refers to a cluster of symptoms that occur for at least 1-2 weeks when a person stops taking an addictive or prescription drug. Some people take medications and do not become addicted to them but still experience withdrawal if they suddenly stop taking these medicines.

Withdrawal syndrome occurs in drug and alcohol addicted individuals who discontinue or reduce the use of their drug of choice. This process of eliminating drugs and alcohol from the body is known as detoxification. 

A lot of people who struggle with addiction and substance abuse are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop taking the drug on their own or if they are unable to acquire the drug.
Signs and symptoms may include (but not limited to):

Anxiety,

Insomnia , 

Nausea, 

Perspiration,

Body aches,

Tremors,

Head Aches

High Blood pressure,

and a total feeling of unwell, are just a few of the physical and psychological symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal that may occur during detoxification.

SYNOPSIS

Generally speaking, drugs and alcohol affect mood by altering brain chemistry, specifically the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the central nervous system that enable nerve impulses to travel through the central nervous system and regulate thought processes, behavior, and emotion.

Drugs that temporarily elevate neurotransmitter levels are called stimulants. Drugs that decrease neurotransmitter levels and depress the central nervous system are called depressants; they include opiates and sedative-hypnotic drugs such as alcohol and barbiturates. (There are exceptions: Benzodiazepine elevates the level of an inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, therefore it serves as a tranquilizer.)

When drug or alcohol consumption becomes chronic, the body adjusts to the constant presence of the substance by changing its normal production of  neurotransmitters. If drug and alcohol use suddenly stops, the body and the central nervous system react to the absence of the substance with an array of symptoms known collectively as withdrawal syndrome.

It must be noted that acute withdrawal syndrome begins within hours of abstinence, and includes a full range of physical and psychological symptoms. More long-term, or subacute, withdrawal symptoms, such as intense drug craving, may occur weeks or months after detoxification has taken place.

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs in alcohol-dependent individuals who suddenly stop or dramatically reduce their alcohol intake. The onset of the syndrome is likely to occur within a week, but usually occurs within 24 hours of the individual's last drink, and is triggered when the central nervous system attempts to adjust to the sudden absence of ethyl alcohol in the body. Symptoms may include:

Extreme ANXIETY, 

Disorientation,

Hallucinations,

Sleep disorders, 

Hand tremors,

Nausea,

Sweating,

Seizures, and

Racing pulse. 

Delirium tremens (DTs) are an extreme example of withdrawal. In the worst cases, untreated alcohol /opiate withdrawal syndrome can result in death. As many as two billion persons (especially the youths) may experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal conditions each year.

BARBITURATES WITHDRAWAL

Barbiturates are prescribed as anticonvulsants, sedatives, and general anesthetics. They can also mimic some of the characteristics of alcohol intoxication (including euphoria, elation, and uninhibited behavior), which make them candidates for abuse. Commonly abused barbiturates include amobarbital (Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal). These drugs depress the respiratory and nervous system functions. Because abusers rapidly build up a tolerance to the effects of the drug, fatal overdose or coma can easily occur. Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome appear 12-20 hours after the last dose; they include anxiety, irritability, elevated heart and respiration rate, muscle pain, nausea, tremors, hallucinations, confusion, and seizures. Death is a possibility if the condition is left untreated. Because barbiturates decrease REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, during which dreaming takes place, withdrawal often results in sleep disruptions such as nightmares, insomnia, or vivid dreaming.

OPIATE WITHDRAWAL

Opiates are powerfully addictive analgesic drugs that deaden nerve pathways related to pain. Abusers of propoxyphene (Darvon), meperidine (Demerol), percocet (Oxycodone), heroin, morphine, and other powerfully addictive opiates quickly build up a tolerance to the drugs and need progressively larger doses to achieve the desired effect. Stopping or reducing the intake of the drug can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, which begin six to eight hours after the last dosage. Symptoms are flu-like, and include gastrointestinal distress, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, muscle pain, fevers, sweating, and runny nose and eyes.

STIMULANT WITHDRAWAL

Use of stimulants, such as cocaine, crack, amphetamines, and methamphetamines, cause an increase in neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and produce feelings of alertness and increased energy. This initial "rush" is followed by a longer period of neurotransmitter loss, characterized by depression, lethargy, and a craving for more stimulants sometimes called a rebound effect. When a stimulant-dependent individual abstains from stimulant use, withdrawal symptoms, including depression, fatigue, insomnia, and loss of appetite, reflect this drop in neurotransmitter levels. Withdrawal typically takes one to two weeks.

DIAGNOSIS

A detailed history of the patient's drug or alcohol use taken before detoxification can be helpful in predicting the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Standardized clinical tests, such as the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, revised, (CIWA-Ar), are used to evaluate the severity of withdrawal symptoms throughout the detoxification procedure.

TREATMENT

Pharmacologic and medical management is often recommended for withdrawal syndrome. The physical condition of the patient is closely monitored throughout the detoxification procedure.

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be treated at home or in a hospital or treatment setting. Inpatient treatment is recommended for patients who are at risk for serious withdrawal symptoms or re-intoxication if treated as an outpatient. Withdrawal symptoms are minimized through the administration of cross-tolerant sedatives. Long-acting BENZODIAZEPINES, such as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and lorazepam (Ativan), are the pharmacologic treatments of choice in managing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Drug dosage is adjusted to offset the discomfort of withdrawal, without causing a euphoric effect, and is then gradually decreased as withdrawal symptoms lessen.

BARBITURATES WITHDRAWAL

Because the risk for seizures and other severe complications is high, barbiturate withdrawal should be monitored in a hospital setting. Patients are given low doses of phenobarbital at a regular interval until mild intoxication is achieved. The dosage amount and frequency is then gradually decreased until withdrawal is complete.

OPIATE WITHDRAWAL

Two basic treatment approaches are used for managing opiate withdrawal. The first involves treating the symptoms of the withdrawal with appropriate medication. Clondine, an antihypertensive drug, is commonly prescribed to reduce muscle pain and cramping. Other symptom-specific drugs are administered on an as-needed basis.

The second treatment option is to replace the patient's drug of choice with methadone, a long-acting, cross-tolerant opiate that does not normally produce a "high." Doses of methadone are administered every four to six hours. The patient's reaction is closely observed, and dosages are slowly decreased until withdrawal symptoms have disappeared, then dosages are discontinued. Methadone withdrawal can be completed within three weeks. It is important to note that methadone withdrawal treatment differs from a methadone maintenance program, in which patients who are unwilling to give up opiates are prescribed methadone as a legal, long-term substitute for their drug of choice.

Rapid opiate detoxification (ROD) is an emerging treatment option for opiate withdrawal. The ROD method is reported to be faster and to cause less physical discomfort than traditional forms of opiate detoxification. The treatment is typically performed in a hospital or private clinic setting.

Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist that blocks opiate receptors and reverses the effects of opiates, is administered to trigger the withdrawal response.

Clonidine is given simultaneously to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. The patient is anesthetized throughout the three to four hour procedure, and withdrawal occurs while the patient sleeps. Vital signs are monitored closely and a ventilator may be employed.

In early 2004, a new single injection method for opiate addiction was being tested. It consisted of a slow-release form of buprenorphine and prevented symptoms for an entire month.

STIMULANT WITHDRAWAL

Because of the depression and dysphoria (feeling of a psychological low) related to stimulant withdrawal, psychological and/or medical management is critical. Treatment may include a regimen of drugs that increase neurotransmitter production.

PROGNOSIS

A closely observed, medically managed detoxification typically results in a safe and tolerable withdrawal experience for the patient. Detoxification is only a short-term solution for obtaining abstinence. An addiction treatment and long-term recovery program is necessary to achieve long-term sobriety. Without such a treatment program, the likelihood of recurrence of abuse and, therefore, the recurrence of withdrawal syndrome is high.

PREVENTION

After detoxification, alcohol and drug dependent individuals are encouraged to maintain their abstinence through participation in substance abusetreatment or a twelve-step recovery program.

KEY COMMON TERMS

ANALGESICS— Pain killing drugs that depress respiratory function. Opiates are analgesics.

ANTAGONIST— A substance that tends to nullify the action of another.

BENZODIAZEPINES— Sedatives used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) are all benzodiazepines.

CROSS-TOLERANT— A drug that has the same pharmacological effect as another is considered cross-tolerant. Cross-tolerant drugs are often used in treating withdrawal syndromes.

DETOXIFICATION— The process of physically eliminating drugs and/or alcohol from the system of a substance-dependent individual.

DYSPHORIA— A depressed and anxious mood state.

NEUROTRANSMITTERS— Chemicals in the brain that affect the nervous system and alter thinking patterns.

OPIATES— Analgesic, pain killing drugs, such as heroin and morphine that depress the central nervous system.

Resources:

Bayard, Max, et al. "Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome." American Family Physician March 15, 2004: 1443.

"Single Injection May Relieve Opiate Withdrawal." Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly January 19, 2004: 8.

ORGANIZATIONS

Alcoholics Anonymous. General Service Office. 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10015. (212) 870-3400. 〈http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org〉.

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. P.O. Box 2345, Rockville,
MD 20847-2345.
(800) 729-6686. 
〈http://www.health.org〉.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
12 West 21st St., New York,
NY 10010.
(800) 622-2255. 
〈http://www.ncadd.org〉.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
6000 Executive Boulevard,
Willco Building, Bethesda, 
Maryland 
20892-7003. 
〈http://www.niaaa.nih.gov〉.

CODEINE SYRUP BAN: ASSOCIATED WITHDRAWAL SYNDROMES, AND ABSENCE OF ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS. PART TWO.

Drug misuse has a different definition to drug abuse. The former refers to instances where individuals take the drug contrary to the prescribed instructions , like taking three pills at a time instead of the recommended two, for example. Drug abuse is the intentional use of a drug for non-medical purposes, like getting high.

If someone wants to deliberately misuse or abuse a drug, for whatever reason, they’re going to find a way to do it. That doesn’t mean we should throw our hands up and accept drug related deaths as a permanent reality, but we should be spending far more time talking about the underlying causes behind drug use and abuse than we spend talking about banning drugs.

People who struggle with addiction and substance abuse are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop taking the drug on their own or if they are unable to acquire the drug.

Doctors will usually work with their patients to prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring. 

This has become inevitable as the federal government through the Minister of Health,  Professor Issac Folorunsho Adewale, suddenly slammed a blanket ban on codiene syrup in reaction to a BBC video report last May, thereby taking all codeine users and the public by surprise. The video report chronicled codeine syrup abuse and misuse especially in the northern part of Nigeria. 

According to the report, allegedly at least over two to three (2-3) million bottles of codiene syrup were being consumed especially for "highness" among the youths in the north alone. And it was alledgedly spreading to other parts of Nigeria and aiding criminality too.

It's rather curious, why the much touted BBC report never cried out that there is no ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER in Nigeria and psychiatric hospitals are not standard ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER as obtained in the UK and in the US including Europe. 

You recall that the UK, US and Australia did have phased control of codiene syrup and not even the UK, USA and Australia placed such a blanket ban as done recklessly by the federal government. They only took it off the counter thereby making it a strictly prescription medication ONLY. If the UK did not hurriedly place any blanket ban on codiene syrup till date, why did the Nigerian Federal Government react sharply to a UK based BBC report? 

The worrisome thing is that the government even failed to systematically phase the ban, as should have been, (following international best practices) as human lives are involved. Also, the outright ban is unnecessary instead, it should be taken off the counter and made a strictly PRESCRIPTION ONLY medication. Thus would ensure that the medicine will still be available for the genuine demands

During the phased ban, ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS should have been, first, established to manage withdrawal syndrome that would definitely arise. Secondly, adequate health education, enlightenment and orientation should have been employed to create awereness.  

This goes to underscore the fact that medical doctors are not trained to manage preventive health management. They are trained for curative and not preventive health. 

Medical doctors in Nigeria have completely usurped  preventive health from the professionals who originally are well trained to manage /run it. The core preventive health professionals have been sidelined medical doctors in Nigeria. The result is what we have daily in the health industry: Strikes, counter strikes, failure in industrial harmony, and the unnecessary Struggle for superiority/Relevance. 

The government went on to suddenly ban the cough syrup and looked the other way even when the millions of youths started experiencing the agony of withdrawal syndrome. HOW INSENSITIVE CAN THE HEALTH MINISTER AND POLICY MAKERS EVER BE? 

The best approach would've been to mobilize funds for the establishment of the much required, world class ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS across Nigeria to manage the expected, resultant WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME of the codeine syrup sudden ban currently affecting millions of youths in the country. 

It is sad why the Minister of Health and indeed the FG is now looking the other way and pretending not to notice the large-scale health issues currently being caused by withdrawal syndrome of codeine syrup and alcohol.

The government also further insulted the integrity of the affected youths (they pretend to procure) by encouraging them to go to psychiatric hospitals closest to them for Rehabilitation as if they are now all psychiatric deviants automatically. INSULT! Who said psychiatric hospitals (and psychiatrists) is best recommended for regular/simple addiction treatment? 

Addiction treatment is not the sole responsibility for medical doctors alone. Any standard addiction treatment program or facility must have the concerted team effort of all other health professionals and therapists in the health sector alongside the doctors, psychologists, psychotherapists, Environmental Health Officers, Nurses/public health nurses/psychiatric nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, Radiologists etc.

NOT JUST A DOCTOR ONLY AFFAIR, AS ALWAYS BEEN MADE TO BELIEVE, IN NIGERIA BY NIGERIAN DOCTORS!  Haven said that, all sessions must be independently and professionally managed by the relevant professionals without interference, and then referred to the next professional after after due consultation.

IT'S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO ESTABLISH ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTERS IN NIGERIA. 

HOW MANY EGGS CAN YOU EAT TO STAY HEART-HEALTHY?

A lot of people aren’t sure whether we should add eggs to our daily diet and as result we get skeptical of eating eggs because of their saturated fat and cholesterol content.

The only reason you may avoid egg is if you have heart disease. People with heart disease risk FACTORS, have a red flag when it comes to eating eggs (especially egg yolk) according to Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, of the Cleveland Clinic’s Preventive Cardiology Nutrition Program.

HOW MANY EGGS CAN YOU EAT PER WEEK?

“There is no current recommendation on how many eggs you should consume each week,” says Zumpano. “Research indicates that total saturated fat contributes more to LDL (bad) cholesterol than dietary cholesterol.”

She points out that egg whites are safe and a good source of protein. It is egg yolks that have the cholesterol and saturated fat you’re trying to avoid.

“If you have heart disease or high cholesterol, be cautious about the number of egg yolks you consume, and take into account all the other forms of saturated fat (red meat, beef, pork, veal and lamb, poultry skin, whole-milk dairy or full-fat cheese) in your diet,” says Zumpano.

“To lower your LDL cholesterol, no more than 5 to 6 percent of your calories should come from saturated fat, according to the 2013 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines.”

Consider cooking methods

When you prepare eggs, you should also pay attention to the way you cook them, says Zumpano. “If you fry them, the oil that you add is only going to contribute to your saturated fat for the day,” she says. She says these drier or oil-free cooking methods are preferred:  

1.)  POACHING : cook (an egg) with its shell removed, by putting it (in or over) gently boiling water, or other liquid

2.)  BOILING: cook (an egg) with its shell intact by putting it in gently boiling water, (or over) for approximately 12 minutes till it hard boild. 

3.)  PAN-FRYING (with a cooking spray)

NOTE:  It's strongly advised that you should avoid adding salt to your eggs to keep the amount of sodium in your diet at the recommended level.

One teaspoon of salt is all you need per day, not more!

Special thanks to the Preventive Cardiology Nutrition Program, and Cliveland Clinic, USA. 

JOHESU STRIKE 2018: BLAME GAMES START As FG, JOHESU NEGOTIATIONS COLLAPSE

In the five weeks the industrial action has lasted, the JOHESU and the Federal Ministry of Health have met six times but failed to reach a peaceful resolution on the trade disputes. Blames, as expected, are flying back and forth. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, accused the JOHESU of turning down the Ministry’s overtures for peaceful settlement, while the health workers claimed the Minister is posing as a barrier to the resolution of the disputes.

JOHESU President, Comrade Biobelemoye Josiah, while accusing Adewole of sabotaging the negotiation process, said, “the Federal Ministry of Health as presently led by Prof. Isaac Adewole has constituted itself as a major hindrance to fruitful deliberation as he has never disguised his intention to symbolise the propaganda machine of the NMA through his posturing at all our meetings, which necessitated JOHESU to take a position that the negotiations were structured to fail ab-initio.

“His (Adewole’s) continued stay in office remains a major barrier to the resolution of the ongoing strike by health workers. This is a major threat to Public Health especially at a time that the dreaded Ebola disease is rampaging in some African countries.”

Similarly, the Chairman, Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations, Dr. Godswill Okara, said the Minister has refused to demonstrate keen desire to have the disputes settled.

“We have had six meetings with the Minister over the ongoing strike. But each time we approached the negotiation table, Discussions always went back and forth without meaningful resolutions. It’s a shame to say that the Federal Government’s side led by the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, has not shown any iota of seriousness about the on-going strike and its attendant negative effects on the health sector.

“The government said it has agreed to 14 out of the 16 demands on the terms of settlement. But the Minister of Health has refused to sign and issue an implementation circular to that effect. We insisted on the circular, which of course will be in print, because government business is not run by word-of-mouth.

“So, after six fruitless meetings with the federal government’s side, we felt there was no need to continue with a seventh meeting until we first consult the workers we represented at the negotiation table. Apart from that, we also had strong reasons to suspect booby-traps at that seventh meeting. That’s why we didn’t show up.”

On his part, Adewole dismissed the allegations as baseless, saying government has not reneged on its commitment to promote peace and industrial harmony in the health sector.

He maintained that the Ministry of Health under his watch will continue to engage in continuous dialogue on how to improve the health sector.

Adewole, however, blamed JOHESU for the collapse of the negotiation process, saying “We waited for six hours for JOHESU’s representatives so that we continue with negotiations but they boycotted without prior notice.

“Shortly after the adjournment of the boycotted meeting, an official communication titled: collapse of negotiation between the federal government and joint health sector unions was issued by JOHESU, informing that negotiation with us has broken down.

“But, we have put in place a reconciliatory process towards amicable settlement of the trade dispute.

“However, we appeal to members of the Union to consider the plight of innocent Nigerians in need of health care and return to work while negotiation continues,” he said.

Because of the critical role health workers play in the well-being of citizens, some civil society groups are threatening to stage street protests and institute more embarrassing litigations against the JOHESU and the federal government.

For example, the National Coordinator, Association of Positive Youths in Nigeria, Isah Mohammed, said his group was considering street protests and rallies at state capitals across the country to amplify the issues surrounding the health workers’ strike and draw global attention to the pitiable situation in government hospitals since the strike began.

He stressed that health-related CSOs are concerned with the collapsed negotiations between JOHESU and the federal government and, perhaps, the domino effect it could have on citizens’ welfare throughout the country.

“If more and more health workers feel they’ve been treated unfairly, they could switch careers or quit the health sector altogether. Then government might have an even harder time managing the capacity crunch,” he said

Source : Vanguard

JOHESU STRIKE : MEDICAL DOCTORS NOW CARRYOUT, PHARMACISTS', NURSES' AND OTHER JOHESU SERVICES AT FMC KATSINA

Medical Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina are currently converting some of their colleagues to provide services hitherto rendered by members of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to ensure healthcare services are on going at the centre. 

IS THAT NOT QUACKERY? A TIME SHALL COME WHEN JOHESU MEMBERS WOULD DO DOCTORS WORK WHEN WOULD GO ON STRIKE; HOPE NMA WOULDN'T CRY FOUL THEN. BECAUSE THEY ARE NOW CARRYING OUT DUTIES THAT THEY ARE NOT LICENSED TO DO. 

A visit to the hospital shows that Doctors have manned the registry, labs and injection stations and attending to patients on ground.

Speaking on the development, the Medical Director FMC, Katsina, Dr. Suleiman Bello Mohammed said despite the strike the hospital is striving to provide services saying that ' it may not be hundred percent but at least the succour it will give to the patients is enormous'

He said, health service is a team work but in a situation were such working together can't be found, the Doctors have to compromise by doing others job just to continue to save lives.

' we don't have problem with JOHESU, we have to work together but in a condition such not feasible like now during such strikes our junior Doctors have taken up to fill gaps created by the striking workers' he said

'' When such strikes happens, it's the common poor man that suffers the brunt, we are trying to maintain services no matter how it is ' he added 

Other interim measures taken, he said include engagement of some temporal staff ‎to support the doctors to run the several  clinics operated at the hospital.

Shedding more lights, the state chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Dr. Muhammed Suleiman said the step down services by the Doctors was not easy but challenging noting that we are doing this for humanity and especially the poor people'

He described the demands of the unrealistic as no where in the world will a Doctors salary be at par with cleaners, nurses and others providing services at hospitals.

JOHESU DEBUNKS NEWS OF NICN COURT ORDER- DIRECTS MEMBERS TO CONTINUE WITH ON-GOING STRIKE

The leadership of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has swiftly reacted to news making rounds that the National Industrial Court Of Nigeria (NICN) on Thursday, 17th day May, 2018, gave an order to health workers (JOHESU) to within 24hrs end the ongoing Nation wide strike to pread home their demands. 

The JOHESU leadership stated that the said news is a RUMOUR and its false. In a release signed by its Chairman, Comrade Biobelomoye Joy Josiah and its National Secretary, Comrade Ekpebor Florence, stated  "it has come to our notice that some propagandists are circulating a false information to mislead members". 

" We are not aware of any orders whatsoever to suspend the strike." 

The statement further directed members to" remain steadfast to comply with our earlier directives to continue the narionwide strike until further instructions are issued by us".

Further details shall be made as they unfold. 

NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT IN ABUJA ORDERS HEALTH WORKERS TO END CURRENT NATIONWIDE STRIKE AND RETURN TO WORK

The National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Thursday, May 17, ordered striking members of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), to suspend its on-going strike, and resume duties across the nation within 24 hours.

Justice Babatunde Adejumo, gave the order after listening to the submissions of Okere Nnamdi, in an ex-parte motion filed by a non-governmental organisation.

The NGO, Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, in the motion prayed the court to order the workers to resume work and go back to negotiation table, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Justice Adejumo, who is also the president of NICN, also ordered the minister of health, minister of labour and employment, among others, to immediately set up a committee to address issues raised by labour.

The judge ordered that the parties should arrive at an acceptable and amicable solutions in the interest of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the strike action.

The judge also ordered that the President and Vice President of JOHESU, should attend such negotiations and that the negotiations should take into consideration the provisions of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Act.

Joined as respondents in the suit are the President and Vice President of JOHESU, and National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission. 

Recall that JOHESU commenced strike on April 17, 2018 to demand for upward adjustment of CONHESS salary scale, and employment of additional health professionals.

Other demands are implementation of court judgments and upward review of retirement age from 60 to 65 years. The matter was adjourned until June 4 for hearing of motion on notice and originating summons.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bayelsa state chapter, have accused the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) whose members are on strike in the country, of disrupting quality health delivery in the state.

News reports have it that the chairman of NMA in Bayelsa state, Dr Keme Pondei, said the demands by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) were selfish.

The state chairman of NMA also said headship of hospitals was against the extant laws setting up hospitals, noting that it would amount to anarchy if everybody working in hospitals becomes entitled to be the head of the hospitals.

FACT CHECK: HAS THE FG IMPLEMENTED 14 OUT OF THE 15-POINT DEMAND BY JOHESU? NO!

If you may recall, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole made claims that the Federal Government has implemented 14 of the 15-point demand that prompted the strike by the Joint Health Workers Unions (JOHESU).

The minister claimed that the strike JOHESU embarked upon since April 17 has not been called off because the union is asking for equal pay with doctors.

“But what JOHESU is asking for is parity with medical doctors which is not practicable nor acceptable to the Federal Government,” Adewole claimed.

The minister added that: “a cursory look at the salary tables in the health sector before and after independence till date have always reflected relativity. The 2014 salary adjustment for medical doctors was to correct the anomaly of 2009 and restore relativity.”

The ICIR fact-checked these claims and found that 14 of the 15-point demand of JOHESU have not been implemented as claimed by the Minister. The Minister lied to Nigerians and the World. 

JOHESU comprises Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria.

JOHESU 15-POINT DEMAND

Here are the demands by JOHESU that the Federal Government agreed to implement.

Internship: Immediate release of the harmonized scheme of service and circular on internship for nurses and midwives.CONHESS salary review: Government agreed to the request of JOHESU to adjust CONHESS salary structure upward. The need for recomputed cost implications of the salary adjustment was taken into consideration.Skipping of CONHESS 10: Immediate and full payment of arrears of salaries of CONHESS 10 skipping outstanding.Payment of promotion arrears: Both parties agreed that payment of promotion arrears should be carried out.Same scale promotion/redesignation: FMOH was directed to write a circular to all institutions to abolish further promoting people without advancement.Employment: It was agreed that government should prioritize employment in the critical professional areas. Since government regularly employed resident doctors, other core professionals should be employed to boost human resources development for health.Enhanced entry point: This was initially requested for radiographers and medical lab scientists based on enabling circular from the head of service. The agreement is that this should be done holistically to accommodate all other graduates of other health care professionals. 

Appointment of CMD/MD: It was agreed that the Federal government will henceforth do advertisements in the appointments of head of health institutions in accordance with the law that establishes the health institutions without prejudice to any particular profession.

Heads of department: It was decided that universities of teaching hospitals cannot be separated from their teaching hospitals. The FMOH was directed to always accommodate the necessity of change in policy and guidelines as no policy should be seen as sacrosanct.

Specialist Allowance: The FMoH is to enlarge the three-man committee that is considering the eligibility for specialist allowance to accommodate two members of JOHESU.

Board appointment to Institutions: The final approval is being awaited from the President while HMoH should put more pressure to ensure board appointment.

PPP: If Public Private Partnership is inevitable it must not be any measure to impoverish Nigerians and send workers out of the job. All stakeholders must be mobilized and involved in planning and execution of the program.

Anti-corruption struggle at FMC Owerri: Those that are being punished as a result of strike action at FMC Owerri to be promoted to level up with their counterparts. The FMoH and Labour agreed to take up the issue of withheld salary to be discussed and settled internally.

Retirement age from 60-65: It was agreed that retirement should be adjusted as done for their counterpart in the Education Sector

Additional Demands: Need to urgently set up a collective bargaining agreement committee to look at the following allowances for JOHESU members, such as  headship allowance, administrative allowance, professional allowance, excess work load allowance, health and safety site allowance.

JOHESU DEMANDS NOT IMPLEMENTED

JOHESU claimed that the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan agreed to implement these demands in 2015.

However, the Minister of Health insisted that there was no agreement between the Federal Government and JOHESU prior to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said what JOHESU brandished as 2014 agreement were minutes of meetings they had with the organs of Federal Government.

The implication of when the agreement was reached is that JOHESU wants government to pay arrears from 2014, and not September 2017 which the Buhari administration agreed to. This is one of the demands the minister brandish as implemented.

Furthermore,  the adjustment in the salaries of doctors have been implemented since 2014 and JOHESU is also demanding that the same measures should be applied to its members from 2014, rather than 2017 when Buhari’s administration agreed to review the salaries of JOHESU.

Despite the disagreement on when the implementation should start, some of the 15-point demand by JOHESU has not been implemented, contrary to claims by the Minister of Health.   

For example, the government has not increased the retirement age of JOHESU members from 60 to 65 years.

Also the skipping of Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS 10) arrears has not been paid as well as the implementation of the scale to scale promotion, especially on CONHESS 14 to 15.

Other demands that have not been implemented include employment of health workers to address the shortage of manpower in critical professional areas.

CONCLUSION: The statement by the Minister of Health that all the 14 of the 15 demands of JOHESU have been met by government is FALSE; MISLEADING and absolutely UNTRUE.

FG ADJUST CONHESS TABLE IN FAVOR OF JOHESU

     Dr Chris Ngige

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige has revealed that necessary adjustments have been effected in the CONHESS table as demanded by JOHESU.
The Minister explained that the CONHESS table that corresponds with the 2014 CONMESS adjustment with the Medical Doctors has been appropriately addressed by the National Salary Income and Wages Commission and given as an offer in the spirit of equity and as a result appealed to the striking health workers to call off their indefinite nationwide strike and return to work for the interest of the patients that have been forced to bear the brunt of the ongoing strike action.
The Minister also asked the NMA to stop meddling into the strikes of JOHESU.

No response yet from the JOHESU leadership. We shall bring further developments to you as they unfold. 

NGIGE TO NMA: STOP MEDDLING IN JOHESU STRIKE

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator, Dr Chris Ngige has told the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to stay away from the ongoing strike by members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) as their activities are making it difficult for government to resolve issues that led to the strike.

 
Chris Ngige

The Minister, in a statement signed by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Samuel Olowokore said the doctors should stop meddling in the strike, adding that such meddlesomeness arising from an unhealthy inter-union rivalry will adversely put pressure on social dialogue mechanism.

He however appealed to the striking health workers to call off its strike as the CONHESS table that corresponds with the 2014 CONMESS adjustment with the Medical Doctors has been appropriately addressed by the National Salary Income and Wages Commission and given as an offer in the spirit of equity.  

The statement reads: “The attention of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has been drawn to media reports credited to the new Executive of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) wherein the body  has taken to meddlesome interloping in the ongoing negotiations with the striking Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU)

“The Minister wishes to state that in trade unionism, such meddlesomeness arising from an unhealthy inter-union rivalry will adversely put pressure on social dialogue mechanism, clog the wheel of progress and in this instance, retard the return of industrial harmony in the entire health sector.

COPING WITH AN ADDICT: THE DO’S AND DON’TS

An addict’s life is very complex and fragile all at the same time. As a family member or friend, you want to do everything within your power to aid in their recovery. You may even go to such extents as to forcefully and passionately push to see that they seek treatment, go to therapy, and stay clean.

Yet despite your best efforts, the very thing you are doing to help, may be doing more harm to that addict’s complex and fragile world. Here are a few pointers as to how to cope with an addict in your life, without inflicting any more unintentional harm driving them further into their addiction.

IT`S TIME TO RECOVER AND START YOUR NEW CHAPTER

An alcohol or drug abuser may try to coerce you into their addiction by offering you to drink or do drugs with them. You may feel this could help you level with them, understand their addiction, or even repair their loneliness. However, the addiction is much deeper than superficial ailments. It is a disease within the mind. Therefore, do maintain your integrity when with an addict. Be an example of sobriety for them.

With that being said, don’t allow them to convince you that you are wrong for seeing their addiction as a problem. Also, don’t associate their addiction as a personal vendetta against you. Saying “you would quit if you loved me” is inconsequential to the addict as their addiction for drugs or alcohol overcomes even their deepest love for family.

Do accept their submittal to drugs and alcohol. Understand that the addiction is beyond their logical control. It is an overwhelming burden to them. Acceptance and not denial of this state will allow you to realistically find solutions to their problem.

As recommended by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, treatment programs should be at a minimum of three months to support a more successful recovery. Don’t enroll the abuser in a 30-day program. Addiction is built up from years of life-damaging events and suppressed emotions that will take time to unravel and deconstruct.

START FEELING BETTER NOW

Do support and fully insist that rehab is the only option acceptable for their recovery. Sweeping statements of, “one last time” or “I’ll wean myself off” are not acceptable. They will never be capable of doing such things because addiction is a disease, not a choice. Showing your support for rehab will lead to a more successful recovery as they can be assured that they have not failed and have become a worthless person if you are standing with them.

However, don’t assume the addict in your life will be jumping at the opportunity to enroll in the program at the first mention of rehab. Intervention, whether personal or professional, may be necessary. Any family or friends who have been providing a crutch for the addict to get along needs to be cut off or must clearly understand that they too must also support and recommend rehab.

Do provide your utmost love, guidance, and support, at every stage of the addict’s recovery. Drugs and alcohol are their way to suppress guilt and shame. Showing your care and love throughout each step of their addiction will help make their recovery more successful.

CALL NOW 888-415-0903

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INQUIRY TODAY

NIGERIA INCREASES AIRPORT SCREENINGS AFTER EBOLA OUTBREAK IN DR CONGO

Report has it that Nigeria has increased screening tests at airports and other points of entry as a precautionary measure following an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the immigration service said on Thursday.     Health worker checking the temperature of         a traveler. 

 At least 17 people have died in an area of northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, two years after the worst ever outbreak of the virus ended in West Africa after killing more than 11,300 people and infecting some 28,600, mainly in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Nigeria was hailed as having contained the virus in 2014, with 8 deaths, following fears that it could spread through the commercial capital of some 20 million inhabitants and across Africa’s most populous country of around 180 million people.

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) said thermometers had been used to monitor some entrants into the country since the virus last hit the region. Screening had been stepped up since the latest outbreak in Congo.

“We are using all the facilities available to detect the virus. That means extra use of thermometers,” said NIS spokesman Sunday James, speaking via phone. “We must take extra measures to make sure people are screened at all the entry points into the country,” he said.

Recall that Ebola spread to Nigeria in 2014 when one Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American diplomat, flew into the country from Liberia and collapsed at the main international airport in Lagos.

Health Minister Isaac Adewale, late on Wednesday, said the cabinet had ordered his ministry to step up emergency surveillance at all land and airport borders, with a particular emphasis on screening people visiting from Congo.

“Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) will also consider sending some team to DRC as part of building capacity for managing  the outbreak,” he told reporters.

- Reuters 

NIGERIAN DOCTORS, AGAIN, THREATEN STRIKE IF FG GOVT IMPLEMENTS JOHESU'S DEMANDS

Nigerian doctors have threatened to withdraw their services across health institutions in the country if the federal government accedes to the demands of other health workers who have been on strike the past three weeks.

The strike by JOHESU( Joint Health Sector Union) has crippled healthcare delivery across the country, and has left millions without care.

The doctors, who are opposed to salary adjustment and harmonisation, one of the major demands of the striking health workers under JOHESU, said the warning became necessary as state and local government workers had been directed to join the JOHESU strike in a bid to force the government to act.

When the strike began on April 17, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in an apparent continuation of the rivalry among health workers, described JOHESU as an “illegal body” and urged the government to ignore its threat.

On Thursday, the NMA in a statement signed by its newly elected president, Francis Faduyile, said it reached an agreement with the government in 2014 not to accede to demands of other health workers relating to salary adjustments and harmonisation.

“The NMA wishes to draw the attention of the Federal Government to our correspondence of April 21, 2014 on the above, in which we reminded Government of the collective bargaining agreement we had with the Federal Government of Nigeria in January 2014.

“It is also pertinent to once again remind Government about the concluding part of our letter no. NMA/PRE/SG/03/0751 of 21st March 2014, which states, “In view of the above, the NMA painfully wishes to inform the Federal Government of Nigeria that any award to the non-medically qualified health professionals that violates the January and July agreements of 2014 shall result in the resumption of the suspended withdrawal of service of 2014. Please take this as a notice sir”.

“The above reminder is predicated on the extension of the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the amorphous body called ‘’JOHESU’’, to States and Local government areas, the basis of which is to strengthen its callous and ill motivated agitation for pay parity between her members and doctors with the resultant erosion of relativity and further hierarchical distortion in the health sector vis-à-vis her clandestine romance with some top government officials.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Medical Association wishes to restate her positions on the various demands of JOHESU:

“We oppose vehemently, any adjustment in CONHESS SALARY SCALE with resultant pay parity between doctors and healthcare professionals allied to medicine, and hereby reaffirm that relativity is sacrosanct,” the statement read in part.

NMA APPEALS TO FG TO HONOUR AGREEMENTS WITH JOHESU

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has appealed to the Federal Government to honour all agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and end the ongoing strike in the nation’s health sector.

JOHESU

The association made the appeal on Sunday, in Abuja in a communiqué issued at the end of its 58th Annual General/Scientific and Delegates’ Conference.

According to the communiqué read by its new President, Dr Francis Adedayo, the association said it disparaged the strike and appealed to the Federal Government to end it soon.

Newsmen report that JOHESU, a union comprising all health workers in Nigeria, apart from medical doctors and dentists, began a nationwide indefinite strike on April 18.

“We disparage the ongoing strike action by JOHESU and appeal to government to honour its agreements with all health workers.’’

On medical tourism, the association said that: “We call on the government to improve the work environment and upgrade the infrastructure to meet international standards in order to reverse medical tourism”

However, NMA applauded the government for its efforts in rehabilitation of primary health institutions in the country.

“We applaud the efforts of the government in rehabilitating Primary Health Centres and other institutions in Nigeria.

“We appeal for the accreditation of such centres as primary providers of health services in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)”

“We want to commend the senate for improved budgetary provision in the 2018 budget for the health sector.

“We commend the senate for approving the inclusion of one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation in the 2018 budget.

“For improved funding of primary healthcare in Nigeria as mandated by the National Health Act 2014.’’

The association also called on the government to increase budgetary allocation release for health to meet 15 per cent of the total budget, to embrace the universal health coverage for all Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the association has elected new national officers to run its affairs for the next two years.

The following members were elected into the National Officers Committee (NOC) of the NMA.

Dr Francis Adedayo asbpresident; Dr Kenneth Tijo as first vice president; Dr Ofem Enang – second vice president; Dr Olumuyiwa Peter – Secretary general; Dr Benjamin Ikechukwu – Deputy Secretary General.

NAN

FG BANS CODEINE IMPORTATION , PRODUCTION

The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to ban with immediate effect further issuance of permits for the importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations.

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole said this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said that the directive became necessary due to the gross abuse of codeine in the country.

In its stead, the Minister said cough syrups containing Codeine should be replaced with dextromethorphan which is less addictive.

He also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine-containing cough syrups in the country, while he has also banned sales of Codeine-containing cough syrup without prescription across the country.

He noted that NAFDAC had an emergency meeting with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group to inform them that there is an embargo on all new applications for registration of codeine-containing cough syrups as well as applications for renewal has been abolished.

The PCN has been directed to continue enforcement activities at Pharmacies, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendor’s Shops and outlets throughout the country.

NAFDAC was also directed to fully carry out its functions among others: to regulate and control the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of drugs, including inspection at points of entry of drugs, drug products and food for compliance with the new directive.

The Minister stated that the ministry shall ensure collaboration among regulatory agencies namely, NAFDAC, PCN, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, for effective implementation of extant Acts, regulations, policies, and guidelines on codeine control and usage.

‘Furthermore, these agencies shall work together to increase pharmacovigilance around codeine, tramadol and other related substances of abuse,’ Adewole stated.