Miss Nollywood International Queen Hassana Ozohu Salisu Speaks Out Against the Negligence of Nigeria’s Health Workers

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In a passionate and compelling address, Miss Nollywood International Queen Hassana Ozohu Salisu has publicly called out the Nigerian President, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Pati, and the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) over the negligence of staff of the National Health Insurance Authority popular known as the NHIA. The plea for accountability comes amid a backdrop of increasing challenges within the health sector that have severe repercussions for its staff and the broader population.

The current situation within Nigeria’s healthcare system is alarming. Recent reports indicated that a staff member of NHIA tragically died of an accident weeks ago due to inability to afford transportation while trecking to the office. This incident is a stark reminder of a larger systemic issue—an ongoing crisis that has reportedly resulted in countless deaths attributed to insufficient financial resources to meet basic needs. The individuals in power, those appointed by the President himself, have systematically stripped healthcare workers of their rights and dignities.

Disappointed by the current state of affairs, Miss Hassana expressed her dismay particularly towards Professor Pate, who appears to prioritize his ambitions for the governorship of Bauchi State over the immediate needs of the health sector, suggesting that the political aspirations of such leaders have overshadowed their responsibilities to the citizens they are meant to serve.

In a prior interview just a month ago, Miss Nollywood highlighted similar concerns, which seemingly triggered an emergency meeting aimed at preventing any impending strike by the NHIA staff. It was hoped that sincere negotiations would ensue, but it has become evident that the move was merely a superficial attempt to placate a growing discontent within the ranks of the NHIA workers. Miss Hassana made it clear that as a citizen advocating for meaningful change, justice, and a fairer Nigeria, she cannot remain silent while those in power continue to undermine the welfare of the health sector.

The dire financial situation facing NHIA staff cannot be overlooked. A GL 13 staff member reportedly earns less than 130,000 Naira per month, while a GL 8 employee can barely make ends meet with a salary below 80,000 Naira. Such paltry sums are inadequate, especially considering the rising cost of living and ongoing inflationary pressures in Nigeria.

Miss Hassana pointed out that despite previous commitments made in meetings — including an alleged agreement for a 100 percent salary increment — no action has been taken. It is particularly concerning that, as per her findings, the President had assented to the New National minimum wage whose implementation is from August 2024 with a marching order to all other MDAs to implement a salary review from same period too. If true, it raises critical questions about why the Ministry of Health and the Director General of NHIA have failed to implement these increases and rectify the outstanding payments that have accrued.

The depth of the crisis is underscored by the fact that many NHIA staff members are now unable to afford transportation or basic necessities, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and low morale. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare must be held accountable, especially given that he is expected to resign or stepdown next year to pursue his gubernatorial ambition. His actions in the interim bear significant weight, as he is tasked with addressing the pressing needs of healthcare workers before he steps down.

In a desperate attempt to avoid a strike that was scheduled to commence on Monday 16th June, the Minister intervened by engaging the Minister of Labour and the National Unions, stirring suspicions of a potential compromise that seeks to maintain the status quo rather than genuinely address the issues at hand. Suspicions of collusion were further fueled when staff members were informed that negotiations would continue without any tangible assurances of progress.

Findings revealed the demands of the NHIA staff as follows:

1. **Immediate Salary Increment:** A 100 percent salary increase should take effect retroactively from August 2024.

2. **Evidence of Submission to National Salaries and Wages Commission:** the workers deserve transparency and proof that their grievances are being addressed in a timely manner.

Furthermore, the President has appointed a governing board to oversee the affairs of NHIA, yet for reasons unknown, the Minister has refrained from inaugurating it for over two months. This delay raises further concerns about transparency and accountability within the organization.

Beneath these systemic issues lies the heartbreaking reality that staff members have suffered severe health consequences themselves, with reports indicating rising incidences of heart attacks and strokes. The individuals responsible for the functioning of the healthcare system —workers who provide vital services — find themselves in distressing conditions, advocating for their basic rights. The negligence displayed by officials like Dr. Kelechi Ohiri and Professor Pate raises serious concerns considering such individuals may soon leave the Nigerian health sector.

Additionally, the allocation of over 30 billion Naira to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and the rise in capitation to hospitals create a troubling narrative. While funds are being allocated to HMOs, HCFs and other healthcare initiatives, the NHIA workers — those on the frontline — remain deprived of equitable compensation for their indispensable contributions.

Miss Hassana has gathered information suggesting that foreign donor funds intended for NHIA and co are trapped within the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, further exacerbating the financial constraints faced by staff. Allegations of misappropriation fuel speculation that the Minister, in preparation for his political campaign, is siphoning off resources meant for healthcare workers to support his activities.

In her fiery address, Miss Nollywood International Queen Hassana Ozohu Salisu emphasizes the urgent need for collective youth action against systemic corruption and mismanagement within the Nigerian health sector. She asserts that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu possesses commendable intentions for the welfare of Nigerians, he is surrounded by individuals who may undermine his efforts.

Calling for a united front, she advocates for the youths to demand significant reforms within the health ministry—replacing those who line their pockets at the cost of public health with leaders dedicated to the fair and efficient management of public funds.

Miss Hassana’s passionate call to action is not solely about advocating for NHIA staff; it symbolizes a broader fight for justice, transparency, and equitable healthcare in Nigeria. By bringing these issues to light, she hopes to spark a movement for real change, ensuring that those who have been marginalized are heard and that the struggles faced by healthcare workers are recognized and addressed.

The plight of healthcare workers within Nigeria’s system must be heard and urgently addressed. The future of the health sector is at stake, and it is clear that allowing the status quo to persist only leads to more tragedy and injustice. The voices of Miss Nollywood International Queen Hassana and other advocates remind us that collective action and accountability are essential in creating a healthier and more equitable society for all Nigerians. It is time for those in power to heed these calls for change and act decisively to restore dignity and justice to the health sector.

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