The Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), Oyo State Council, has strongly rejected the recent increase in health insurance deductions from workers’ salaries to 7.5% of basic salary.
Speaking on behalf of members across the state, the Chairperson of MHWUN, Comrade Olumide-Lawal Bolanle, said the union remains committed to health insurance as a tool for protecting workers; hence, the scheme should not introduce another hardship to workers; it should be universally affordable.
The increment to the percentage is burdensome; she stressed that any increase in contribution must be fair, reasonable, equitable and agreed upon through due consultation and mutual agreement with recognised labour unions.
The union also acknowledged and commended the present administration in the state led by Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for his credible, workers-friendly and progressive disposition towards the workforce and the health sector, noting improvements in health facility renovation, improved working conditions, and
government-labour relations under his leadership, hinting that Governor Makinde is a talk-and-do governor.
Comrade Olumide-Lawal Bolanle expressed her concern that such a major policy change will affect workers’ livelihoods.
She further stated that service delivery under the current health insurance scheme has not significantly improved, as many members still face difficulties accessing drugs and laboratory services, let alone specialist care. She also emphasised that the newly employed staff’s money has been deducted since inception, but they are not enrolled on the scheme.
The union therefore called for the immediate reversal of the 7.5% deduction and a return to the previous rate, pending a full review and dialogue with all relevant stakeholders.
She reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation, industrial harmony, and improved healthcare delivery but made it clear that it will not accept policies that undermine the welfare, income, and overall well-being of health workers.
