The Minister of Health, on Monday, cautioned that the ongoing strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) may severely affect hospital operations across the country.
According to him, the industrial action, which has already disrupted fuel supply in major cities, is now threatening healthcare delivery as hospitals depend heavily on diesel and petrol to power generators and ambulances.
“The strike is not just about transportation and businesses; our hospitals are at risk. Critical services such as emergency operations, intensive care units, and cold storage for vaccines are dependent on constant power supply, which is sustained by petroleum products,” the minister stated.
He further urged NUPENG to consider the health implications of its strike, stressing that the government is making efforts to resolve the issues at stake.
Hospitals, especially in urban centers, are already raising concerns over the rising cost of fuel and the difficulty in accessing supplies. Medical experts warn that if the strike continues, lives could be endangered, particularly in facilities with patients on life support.
The minister appealed to both parties to prioritize national interest, noting that healthcare must not be compromised during industrial disputes.
The NUPENG strike, which began last week, stems from unresolved disputes over workers’ welfare and government policies affecting the oil and gas sector.
