Coronavirus affecting economy – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on health workers to be patient with his regime to address their demands as the country tackles coronavirus.

He stated that the outbreak of the disease had posed fresh challenges for the economy, especially the impact on crude oil revenue.

Buhari made the appeal in Abuja when members of the Joint Health Sector Unions  and Assembly Healthcare Professionals Associations visited him at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

He said, “Your case is certainly receiving attention, but you must bear in mind the condition that the country is in now. Coronavirus is not improving matters.

“It is affecting what we very much depend on, the petroleum industry and therefore revenue.”

The  unions have been demanding an upward review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

In addition to CONHESS, the workers have also protested  against the non-payment of their April and May 2018 salaries.

They have also pressed for the gazetting of scheme of service for nurses and the payment of teaching allowances.

In 2019, JOHESU threatened a seven-day warning strike over the issues.

However, meeting with Buhari on Tuesday where the issues were again raised, the President urged patience and appealed for support to enable the country to tackle the coronavirus threat first.

– Punch