Public health services in Delta State are experiencing significant strain as the strike by allied health professionals intensifies. The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has made it clear that its members will not resume work until their demands are met, following months of unsuccessful negotiations with the state government.

The strike, which began on February 1, was initiated over three primary issues, including the payment of 16 months of arrears for a peculiar allowance introduced in 2024 and the implementation of a circular regarding the review of health practitioners' allowances. Comrade Uruwayino Charles Samuel Jr, the state chairman of NUAHP, explained that these demands were made after the state government approved a N200,000 monthly preferential allowance for medical doctors, prompting the union to seek similar benefits for allied health workers.

In April, the union declared a three-day warning strike, which led to a meeting with the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaemo. However, the meeting ended without satisfactory resolutions, as the commissioner reportedly suggested that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had advised affiliates to forgo the peculiar allowance for the sake of implementing the minimum wage.

Subsequent discussions led to the formation of a committee in August to assess the financial implications of the workers' demands. This committee agreed to a N180,000 preferential allowance and acknowledged the 16 months of arrears owed to the workers. However, Uruwayino expressed frustration over the delays in implementing these recommendations, stating that the commissioner had shifted his stance during payment discussions, asking for additional time instead of fulfilling the agreement.

Despite the ongoing strike, the Health Management Board (HMB) has reported that essential services are still being provided in affected hospital departments. A source from HMB indicated that government-employed technicians, including pharmacy and laboratory technicians, are currently managing operations in the absence of their allied health colleagues. "There’s no vacuum. Work is going on," the source confirmed, adding that the Permanent Secretary is monitoring the situation closely.

As the strike continues, the commissioner has yet to publicly address the situation. A renewed meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, but the union remains firm in its stance, insisting that work will not resume until their financial grievances are resolved. The ongoing crisis underscores the ongoing challenges within Delta State's health sector, as health workers advocate for fair treatment and compensation amid rising tensions with the government.