The Assembly of Health Care Professionals of Katsina State has suspended its seven-day warning strike after Governor Dikko Radda made fresh commitments to address its demands.

The assembly chairman, Ibrahim-Balange, announced the suspension in a statement on Sunday.

The suspension, which took effect at midnight on October 18, followed a meeting between the association and Mr Radda on October 16.

Mr Ibrahim-Balange said the decision followed the state government’s commitment to reopen negotiations with the association and comprehensively review the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and professional allowances.

He said the government also agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee to address outstanding issues affecting health professionals.

Mr Ibrahim-Balange directed members to resume full clinical and administrative services across health facilities in the state from October 18.

According to him, the commitments include the immediate reopening of negotiations through a technical roundtable and reviewing and implementing CONHESS in line with existing circulars.

He said the review would cover professional allowances, including hazard, call duty and shift duty allowances, as well as other CONHESS-related entitlements.

Mr Ibrahim-Balange added that the government had also committed to resolving the CONHESS 10 skipping issue for qualified officers in accordance with the Scheme of Service.

He said the proposed joint technical committee would operate with clearly defined terms of reference and a timeline for addressing the outstanding issues.

The chairman said the assembly unanimously agreed to suspend industrial action after carefully considering the governor’s commitments.

Mr Ibrahim-Balange also commended Mr Radda for his prompt response and intervention, assuring members that the association remained committed to protecting their welfare and professional interests.

The chairman noted that the suspension “is expected to restore normal clinical and administrative services in public health facilities across the state.”

The association had announced its plan to embark on the warning strike on October 14, over unresolved issues concerning salary structure implementation and professional allowances.

(NAN)