Anambra State Government has reacted to media reports suggesting that health workers in the state are living in “abject penury and squalor” and have threatened to embark on strike from September 4.
In a statement, the government acknowledged the right of unions to demand improved welfare but stressed the need to set the records straight. It reassured Ndi Anambra that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, remains committed to strengthening the health sector and ensuring the well-being of health workers.
Contrary to claims of neglect, the government highlighted key investments and reforms in the last two years. According to the statement, five brand new General Hospitals and an Ultra-Modern Trauma Centre have been constructed and fully equipped. Thousands of health professionals were also recruited and deployed across state-owned facilities, including the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital.
The administration also introduced Telemedicine to bridge manpower gaps. Officials noted that before this intervention, the last recruitment of health workers in Anambra was done a decade ago. The statement further revealed that within a few weeks, another batch of no fewer than 1,000 successful recruits will be shortlisted and deployed to various government-owned health facilities.
During the State Executive Council meeting held on August 18, 2025, Governor Soludo approved the implementation of the Enhanced Entry Point for Nursing Officer Cadre. This means the entry grade level for Nursing Officers into the State Civil Service will now be Grade Level 10. The government described this as “a great relief” for Nursing Officers who have agitated for nearly 20 years.
In addition, the council approved Performance-Based Incentives for health workers. With this system, workers will receive additional pay based on performance aside from their regular salary. The governor also embarked on what was described as unprecedented investments in health infrastructure, with facilities being upgraded and healthcare access expanded across both rural and urban communities.
The government emphasized that several welfare-enhancing measures have been put in place, including training, capacity development, and plans to harmonize salaries in line with prevailing economic realities. It stressed that it is not insensitive to the genuine concerns of health workers but rejected claims that the state has abandoned them to poverty.
“It is misleading to suggest that the state has abandoned them to poverty or that their situation is worse than in neighbouring states,” the statement said.
According to the government, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has been in constant dialogue with union leaders, and discussions on salary adjustments and other welfare issues are ongoing.
Governor Soludo was also described as a leader who has consistently prioritized health under his Solution Agenda. It was stated that his administration is the first since the creation of Anambra State to recruit no fewer than 2,000 health workers within a single tenure.
“We therefore urge health workers and their unions to embrace constructive engagement rather than strike actions, which will only hurt innocent patients and undermine the very goals we all share,” the statement added.
The government concluded by assuring that it remains open to dialogue and expressed confidence that lasting solutions would be achieved through cooperation.