Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta Protest Alleged Exclusion from Promotions

Nurses Rally at Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta Over Alleged Promotion Exclusion

Nurses affiliated with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives demonstrated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, expressing discontent over being reportedly excluded from the institution’s 2023 promotion process.

The protest, which unfolded on Wednesday, saw nurses highlighting several concerns, including staff shortages, promotion arrears, and harsh working conditions.

Calls for Rights and Promotions

The protesting nurses, observed demonstrating peacefully across the hospital’s premises, carried placards with messages demanding fair promotions, addressing workloads, and enhancing their working environment.

Some of the signs read: “Stop selective promotion,” “Nurses’ lives matter,” and “Give us our promotion.”

Chairman’s Perspective

Olufimilola Adekunle, Chairman of the FMC Abeokuta branch of NANNM, emphasized that the protest aimed to acquire promotional examination papers that the hospital claimed the nurses had failed.

Adekunle lamented the severe understaffing in the hospital, leading to overworked nurses and extended shifts, despite multiple requests to management for appropriate remuneration.

Hospital’s Response and Promises

Dr. Kunle Adediran, Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, acknowledged the nurses’ grievances but mentioned that decisions regarding promotions were beyond the hospital’s management and were made by the Federal Ministry of Health.

He assured that the hospital would write to the Federal Government to review these decisions and address the concerns raised by the protesting nurses, promising a concerted effort to address the issues at hand.