The impact of industrial disharmony in the health system outcomes: a case study of the Nigerian Health Sector

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Date
2021
Authors
Fasanmade, O.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
School of Postgraduate, University of Lagos, Akoka
Abstract
Industrial disharmony is a worldwide phenomenon which affects all professions and all cadres. In Nigeria several sectors have been affected by industrial disharmony, but it is quite common in the health sector. It is an almost intractable problem in the Nigerian health sector and almost every year there are strikes by one profession or the other within this sector. The strikes usually affect the secondary and tertiary tiers of healthcare. This qualitative study set out to analyze the cause, effect, and the impact of industrial disharmony/crises on the health sector, the government, and the people of Nigeria. A careful scientific search of the literature (both in print and online), newspapers, Government and Labour organization publications on the subject were collated and studied to understand the problem of industrial crises and how to proffer solutions to reduce or eliminate these incessant strikes in the Nigerian health sector. It was demonstrated that the main cause of the disharmony was poor remuneration/delayed or unpaid wages, poor healthcare funding, poor work environment, deficient healthcare infrastructure, inadequate and underfunded training, inter-professional rivalry and non fulfilment of government agreements/commitments. These led to poor job satisfaction, poor healthcare worker attitude, brain drain and loss of public’s confidence in the public health sector. These in turn led to poor health indices which influence the health and strength of the national workforce. Ways to reduce these strikes include improved healthcare funding, better training opportunities, collaboration/dialogue amongst the various professions in the health sector and firm commitment of government to fulfill past agreements and commitments willingly entered. Collective bargaining is a tool to be effectively used to carry workers along and get the best for them.
Description
Award of masters in public administration degree
Keywords
Industrial disharmony , Professional caders , Health Sector , Strikes , Nigerian health sector , Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Other social sciences::Public sector research
Citation
Fasanmade, O.A. (2021). The impact of industrial disharmony in the health system outcomes: a case study of the Nigerian Health Sector. Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of master's in Public Administration degree of the University of Lagos, 150p.