Nigerian health workers – comprising of doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, nurses and midwives – in all public hospitals have indicated their intention to embark on an indefinite strike from next Wednesday. They are asking for, among other things, their monetisation arrears for two years before October 1, 2005, when the policy was implemented in the health ministry. They want government to recall all of their members sacked last year during the "right-sizing" of federal workers. They are protesting the lack of facilities in the hospitals and the failure of the Yar'Adua Administration to appoint substantive ministers after the resignation of two health ministers in April.

Like public school teachers who have stayed away from classrooms since June 30, the health workers have decried the government's arrogance. The workers' warnings have been ignored. But a strike by health workers at this time will be one too many. While public office-holders who earn amazing salaries and allowances can afford to seek treatment at private hospitals in Nigeria and abroad, the vast majority of other Nigerians cannot. Government should be ready to defer to the health workers and prevent the collapse of public hospitals.