The proposed Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 that are presently before the National Assembly have prompted health sector unions under the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU) to declare plans to hold a nationwide demonstration in Abuja.
According to Naija News, medical experts from all over the nation are anticipated to attend the demonstration on Thursday.
The unions claim that before heading to the National Assembly Complex, attendees should gather at the Unity Fountain in Maitama.
JOHESU instructed its associate unions and professional associations to mobilize significant numbers of members for the rally in a circular obtained on Thursday morning.
The purpose of the planned protest, according to JOHESU National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, is to raise public awareness of the repercussions of the proposed legislation.
According to Egbanubi, “our members must educate the general public on how the Health Sector Executive Bills 2026 affect their respective professions in particular and the health sector in general.”
The union leader described the protest as a crucial moment for healthcare professionals and urged members to participate actively.
He said, “Your involvement in this historic existential struggle is highly solicited and essential.”
Health professionals are anxious about the legislation, which have already passed the Senate’s first reading, according to JOHESU.
The union claims that many professionals are concerned that the legislation may change current structures, redefine professional positions, and have an impact on welfare conditions in the health sector.
JOHESU, which consists of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, has been a significant voice in labor disputes in Nigeria’s healthcare industry.
The coalition has regularly interacted with the federal government over the years over issues including pay scales, hazard allowances, and worries about the dominance of particular professional groups in the formulation of health policy.
The scheduled demonstration coincides with ongoing conflicts in Nigeria’s healthcare system, which have frequently led to strikes and service interruptions that impact millions of people.
Due to a lack of workers, brain drain, and poor infrastructure, the system is already under strain as many medical professionals continue to relocate overseas in quest of better employment opportunities.
