Nigerian nurses strike for pay and staffing as talks collapse
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) warned that if their demands are not met by next week, the union will embark on an indefinite strike, the first in over two decades.
"We hope that before the seventh day, we'll have attention and positive response from the federal government," said Christianah Adeboboye, head of the nurses' and midwives' union in Lagos.
A meeting on Tuesday between the union and a government delegation led by Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi ended in a stalemate.
"When you look at the composition of the meeting, it already shows that no outcome could have been gotten out of that meeting," said Toba Odumosu, union secretary in Lagos, citing the absence of Health Minister Ali Pate as a critical gap.
The impasse underscores the growing rift between healthcare workers and the government, leaving patients vulnerable as hospitals brace for further disruptions.
The union is pushing for the recruitment of more nurses, pointing to a sharp decline in personnel as over 42,000 nurses have left Nigeria for jobs abroad in the past three years, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
I've been left with a gigantic hernia the size of a football – docs said my symptoms were just a ‘bad back'
GRAHAM Shepherd has been left with a hernia the size of a football after doctors dismissed his symptoms as a "bad back". While the 65-year-old has been awarded a payout after suing the NHS, he's said his and his family's lives "will never be the same again". 5 5 5 Graham developed the gigantic bulge - described as the biggest doctors had ever seen - when it ballooned after an aneurysm ruptured. He had visited his GP multiple times and gone to hospital twice complaining of severe back pain as well as weight loss over a nine week period. Graham said a lump on his stomach was also pulsating - but doctors failed to carry out a full examination and sent him home with painkillers. The result of an MRI scan was incorrectly recorded as clear before he was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm 64 days later. The dad-of-one was told by doctors he had been a "walking time bomb" and underwent emergency surgery. But he developed complications, including a torn bowel, suspected to have been caused by painkillers he had been advised to take for his back pain. Graham spent more than seven weeks in intensive care and has been left permanently disabled as a result of his ordeal. The former chief foreman is unable to work after being left with a stoma, mobility problems and the large abdominal hernia. Graham's wife, Sarah, 44, has also been forced to give up her job as a healthcare assistant to become his full-time carer. Lawyers have now secured Graham an undisclosed settlement after two doctors and a hospital trust involved in his care denied liability. I lost 14 stone and finally had my loose skin removed, but it was totally botched and I look like I've been left with a permanent hernia Graham, of Stourbrige, West Mids., said: "I was in pain for months. "It started in my back and gradually spread to my abdomen, groin, and down my left leg. "I could barely move and spent most of my time lying on the settee. "I knew something wasn't right and the lump I found in my stomach was pulsating in time with my heartbeat. "When they diagnosed my aneurysm, the doctors told me it was one of the biggest they'd ever seen and I was a walking time bomb. "They believed it had already ruptured several times. "Because it was leaking it had probably relieved some of the pressure and had stopped it fully rupturing and killing me. "I was told that you could probably only fit a cigarette paper between the aneurysm and my spine and that it had worn my spine down." Graham's emergency surgery went well, but afterwards he felt three pops inside of him. It turned out his bowel had perforated. He continued: " I needed another emergency surgery and was told I'd need a stoma. At first, I refused. I was devastated. "Sarah had to convince me it was the only way to save my life. "It wasn't a case of staying in hospital, getting better and going home. "I've been left with permanent nerve damage, muscle wasting in my leg, I can't work and Sarah has had to give up her job to care for me. "My stomach is unsightly and I have a stoma that can't be reversed. I've been told any further surgery on my abdomen would be very risky and complicated. "Our lives will never be the same again. "I just hope that by sharing what happened to me I can help raise awareness so others don't have to suffer." 5 5 Jenna Harris, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Graham, said: "We firmly believe that those involved in Graham's care failed to conduct appropriate examinations and arrange and report back on a MRI scan in a timely fashion, especially in light of Graham complaining of symptoms associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. "If Graham had received the care we say he should, we believe his condition would have been diagnosed sooner and he wouldn't have gone to suffer life-changing complications. "Nothing can make up for Graham's ordeal but we're pleased to have secured this settlement allowing him to access the ongoing support he requires. "An abdominal aortic aneurysm can be life-threatening, especially if they rupture. "Therefore, it's vital people are aware of the possible signs. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing the condition and preventing potentially fatal complications." What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm? AN abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart to the tummy (abdomen). Most aneurysms do not cause any problems, but they can be serious because there's a risk they could burst (rupture). They often have no symptoms, but when they get bigger, you might notice: tummy or back pain a pulsing feeling in your tummy You should see a GP if: you have tummy or back pain that does not go away or keeps coming back you feel a lump in your tummy These symptoms can be caused by lots of things and do not mean you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, but it's best to get them checked. Call 999 if you or someone else: have sudden, severe pain in your tummy or back are struggling to breathe or have stopped breathing have pale or grey skin (on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet) lose consciousness These could be signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm bursting (rupturing). This is a life-threatening emergency that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible. Source: NHS
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Trump administration planning to roll back abortion access for veterans
Donald Trump's administration has plans to impose one of the most severe anti-abortion policies nationwide, critics fear. The proposal would eliminate access to abortion care and counseling for U.S. military veterans through the federal government's health system, even in instances of rape, incest or to protect the health of the patient — coverage that has been available to veterans and their beneficiaries for nearly three years. The rule change would apply to all veterans receiving care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, even those living in more than a dozen states where abortion care is legally protected and a constitutional right. A statement accompanying the proposal says the rule change is designed to ensure the VA 'provides only needed medical services to our nation's heroes and their families.' Three months after the Supreme Court revoked a constitutional right to abortion care in 2022 by overturning the landmark ruling in Roe v Wade, then-President Joe Biden allowed the VA to provide abortion services for veterans and beneficiaries on federal property, even in states where abortion was outlawed. Advocates hailed the move as a lifeline for coverage. The rule also allowed VA physicians to discuss abortion options or referrals with patients for the first time. However, VA officials under the Trump administration now argue that the Biden-era rule was politically motivated and 'contradicted decades of federal policy against forced taxpayer funding for abortion.' The administration claims that the rule change will not prevent physicians from providing life-saving abortion care in cases of ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages, since other provisions within the law already mandate those protections. But the proposal also states that 'claims in the prior administration's rule that abortions throughout pregnancy are needed to save the lives of pregnant women' are 'incorrect.' The Trump administration also claims there isn't any demand for abortion care. Roughly 100 veterans and 40 beneficiaries received abortion care through VA medical centers since the policy change, according to government data. But the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee noted that 500,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, with more than half of them living in states with abortion restrictions. 'We cannot let VA stop providing this care to veterans by ripping away this narrow, targeted protection,' Sen. Richard Blumenthal said in a statement. There are at least 2 million women veterans in the United States, the fastest-growing group of veterans, according to the VA. As of 2024, more than half of women veterans of reproductive age lived in states that banned abortion or faced severe restrictions, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families. Last year, enrollment of women veterans in VA health care increased in every state, including significant increases in Texas, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina — states where abortion is effectively outlawed. The new Trump administration proposal must first go through a public comment period before becoming policy. That period is open until September 5. Abortion rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers blasted the move as an attack on abortion access for veterans and their families. "After veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, the Trump administration is trying to rob them of their own freedoms and putting their health at risk,' according to Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which has led several high-profile legal battles defending access to abortion care. 'This administration is sending a clear message to veterans — that their health and dignity aren't worth defending,' she added. 'To devalue veterans in this way and take away life-changing health care would be unconscionable. This shows you just how extreme this administration's anti-abortion stance is — they would rather a veteran suffer severely than receive an abortion.' Skye Perryman, president of legal advocacy group Democracy Forward and a former general counsel for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, called the rule change a 'smack in the face to those who have served our country and their loved ones, stripping pregnant women of their bodily autonomy and restricting their access to abortion.' Washington Sen. Patty Murray, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, said that 'Republicans don't care if your health is in danger, if you're a veteran, or if you've been raped — they want abortion outlawed everywhere, in every circumstance, for everyone.' 'This administration has shown nothing but callous disregard for veterans' lives, their health care, and their livelihoods — especially when those veterans happen to be women,' she added. Republican lawmakers accused the Biden administration of overreach and defended the Trump administration's move to 'stand up for the sanctity of life.' 'Taxpayers do not want their hard-earned money spent on paying for abortions and VA's sole focus should always be providing service-connected health care and benefits to the veterans they serve,' according to a statement from a group of House Republicans led by House Veterans' Affairs Committee chair Mike Bost.
Medical News Today
3 hours ago
- Medical News Today
What to know about Medicare Advantage Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNP)
Institutional special needs plans (I-SNP) are specialized Medicare Advantage plans for people who live in a care facility for at least 90 days or those who live in the community and require the care that facilities can Advantage (Part C) offers special needs plans (SNPs) that provide benefits and services specifically for people who have severe chronic conditions, certain healthcare needs, or who also qualify for Medicaid. There are three types of SNPs: Instituational SNP (I-SNP)Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP)Dual Eligible SNP (D-SNP)What is an I-SNP?An I-SNP is a SNP where enrollment is limited to individuals with Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans who have had or are expected to need a level of care and services provided in:long-term care skilled nursing facilitiesnursing facilitiesintermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilitiesinpatient psychiatric facilityIn order to qualify for an I-SNP, a person must require this care for at least 90 days. »Learn more: Medicare SNPsWhat do I-SNPs cover?All Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same coverage as Original Medicare (parts A and B). This means these plans cover inpatient care, outpatient care, hospice care, some home healthcare, and preventive care. While many Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage (Part D), all SNP plans are required to include prescription drug coverage. SNPs may also include additional benefits, such as a care manager to assess a person's needs, provide supervision of their care, and advise on how best to manage health conditions. SNPs may offer coverage for dental, vision, and hearing. It is important to check the individual plan for additional benefits. Who is eligible for I-SNPs? In order for a person to join an SNP, they must meet these requirements: have both Medicare Part A and Part Blive within the plan's service areaIn order to be eligible for an I-SNP specifically, they must meet these requirements:living in the community but requiring the level of care a facility offersliving in or expected to live in a facility for at least 90 days, including: nursing homeintermediate care facilityskilled nursing facilityrehabilitation hospitallong-term care hospitalswing-bed hospitalpsychiatric hospitalother facility that offers similar long-term healthcare servicesWhat is the difference between an IE-SNP and an I-SNP?An I-SNP, known as an institutional-equivalent special needs plan (IE-SNP), is for people who require a level of care provided by facilities but are able to remain living within the may include people with chronic conditions who require extra help in accessing care, managing medications, or using appropriate levels of care. Chronic conditions that may require an IE-SNP include: congestive heart failurediabeteschronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)cardiovascular diseaseschronic kidney disease (CKD)depressiondementiaobesityany condition that impairs a person's functional statusIn order to qualify for an IE-SNP, a person will typically need an assessment by an impartial representative from their state. How is an I-SNP different from other SNPs? An I-SNP is just one type of SNP. Each plan has its own requirements and additional coverage options.C-SNPC-SNPs are specialized plans for individuals with one or more severe or disabling chronic conditions. People who qualify for C-SNPs must have a high risk of hospitalization or adverse health outcomes. Qualifying chronic conditions include:cancercertain autoimmune disorderschronic alcohol or substance dependencecardiovascular disordersdiabeteschronic heart failuredementiaend stage liver diseaseend stage renal disease (ESRD)HIV, including stage 3 HIVcertain chronic lung disordersstroke»Learn more: Medicare C-SNPD-SNPD-SNPs are plans specifically for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. This is the only eligibility requirement for this type of plan. D-SNPs offer help to coordinate a person's Medicare and Medicaid benefits. »Learn more: Medicare D-SNPMedicare resourcesFor more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare are specialized Medicare Advantage plans that are designed for individuals with specific care needs or those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. I-SNPs are plans for people who are living or are expected to live in a care facility for at least 90 days. I-SNPs can also be used for people who still live in the community but require the level of care available in a facility.
