The Foundation of Employee Health: A Shared Responsibility

The Foundation of Employee Health: A Shared Responsibility

M Hasan    8:11 PM   

The Importance of Employee Health and Well-being in Modern Workplaces

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving work environments, employee health and well-being have become critical concerns. Declining mental health, poor work-life balance, lack of psychological safety, and insufficient leader support are among the main issues affecting employee well-being. Many employees are experiencing burnout and workplace stress, often working long hours without being able to disconnect. Others face unsupportive leaders or job insecurity, which further exacerbates their challenges.

These problems are closely tied to the new stresses of modern work environments, including the growing desire for flexible work models, a decline in overall employee engagement, and rapid technological changes. Mental health and stress are now the leading causes of absence from work. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) 2025 Report, the average number of absence days per employee per year has risen to 9.4 days, the highest in over 15 years. Common causes of these absences include mental health issues, stress, and minor illnesses.

Organizations are increasingly taking steps to identify and reduce workplace stress. Research indicates that more employers are now taking mental health seriously and are stepping up efforts to raise awareness across their workforces. The new global management system standard on occupational health and safety, ISO 45001, places physical, mental, and cognitive health at its core, emphasizing the need to prevent occupational ill-health and bring quantifiable benefits to both workers and organizations.

The ISO standard requires that health hazards, including psychosocial risks such as workload, work hours, and bullying, be identified and controlled. Additionally, health risks at workplaces are increasing due to factors like an aging workforce, inactivity, mental health issues, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition.

Understanding Employee Health and Well-being

Employee health and well-being is a holistic concept that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social health within the workplace. It also includes the happiness of employees in their work environment. Understanding this concept is crucial for creating a healthy and productive workplace. Its growing importance reflects the recognition that a healthy and supported workforce is a strategic asset for business success, not just a matter of corporate responsibility.

Health can be defined as being free from illness or injury, while well-being is broader, incorporating mental health, economic and social well-being, and physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Social well-being focuses on building strong relationships and supportive networks within the workplace to foster a sense of belonging and community.

The World Health Organization (WHO) takes a holistic approach to health, defining it as "the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy." Workplace well-being is about helping people maximize their physical and mental health. Countries in the West are witnessing a shift in emphasis around health and well-being at work, focusing on promoting mental well-being and supporting healthy lifestyles. There are now safer and healthier workplaces than ever before.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) states that workplace well-being relates to all aspects of working life, from the quality and safety of the physical environment to how workers feel about their work, their working environment, and work organization. Considering Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, once basic needs within the workplace are met—such as occupational health and safety—people can move up the hierarchy. Workplace well-being can help fulfill the self-fulfillment aspects of Maslow’s hierarchy.

Why Employee Health and Well-being Matters

Health has become a global public policy issue, with increased focus on disease prevention and reducing mortality. Factors such as poor health lifestyles and social determinants of health, shaped by economic activities and global policy, are driving this focus. This can be seen in initiatives like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As a result, health risks and health promotion within the workplace are receiving renewed attention and being considered within the global context of public health policy.

Employee well-being matters because it can lead to increased productivity and performance, higher retention rates, reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs, improved company culture and reputation, and reduced burnout. A 2025 report on health and well-being at work showed that 52% of workers reported feeling bored, 62% felt miserable, and 63% felt lonely. While these numbers may seem small, feelings of exhaustion and pressure should be of concern to employers, as they can lead to stress and potentially negative outcomes for employees.

Poor physical and mental health, along with workplace factors like high workloads, excessive pressure, exhaustion, poor relationships with colleagues, and poor perceptions of line managers, are associated with a greater feeling that work negatively affects health. Poor employee health and well-being can have devastating impacts on organizations, making it essential to understand these negative effects.

The Benefits of Investing in Employee Health and Well-being

Investing in employee health and psychological well-being can significantly enhance organizational performance and workplace culture. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that investing in employee well-being increases profitability. Studies show that 57% of employees say work-related stress negatively affects their performance, leading to lower productivity, emotional exhaustion, and a desire to leave their jobs. These issues directly influence a company’s profitability, yet many company leaders underestimate these struggles.

The benefits of investing in health and well-being in the workplace include 44% better employee morale and engagement, 35% increase in a healthier and more inclusive culture, and 31% lower sickness and absence. Studies show that well-designed wellness programs have a return on investment of $1.50 to $3 per dollar spent over a two- to nine-year period. Thriving and healthy workforces typically perform 2.2 times above average compared with organizations that do not invest in their employees’ health and well-being.

The Pillars of Employee Health and Well-being

Reports indicate that globally, 31% of adults don’t get enough physical activity, which is problematic as inactive lifestyles increase the risk of diseases like Type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Physical activity improves cognitive functions, making it easier for people to concentrate and perform tasks efficiently. A healthy workforce could also lead to lower insurance premiums, which account for 7.9% of employee compensation on average.

The Oyster Team observes that professional growth and fulfillment, meaningful relationships and connections, belonging and shared purpose, physical health and well-being, and financial security and peace of mind form the pillars of employee health and well-being. Additionally, mental, emotional, or psychological well-being, as well as financial, career, and social well-being, are important pillars.

The World Health Organization’s healthy workplace model emphasizes improving, mobilizing, and assembling the physical work environment, assessing and prioritizing personal health resources, planning, improving, evaluating, and executing psychosocial work environments, while ensuring leadership engagement, work involvement, and ethics and values. The model identifies five keys to success: leadership commitment and engagement, involving workers and their representatives, business ethics and legality, using a systematic, comprehensive process to ensure effectiveness and continual improvement, and sustainability and integration.

Key Challenges and Strategies to Adopt

To ensure employee health and well-being, organizations must address several challenges, including low employee engagement, lack of management buy-in, budget constraints, the one-size-fits-all approach, and remote work concerns. The Oyster Team suggests six initiatives that employers can implement to enhance the overall well-being of their workforce: creating a workplace culture where employees feel heard and valued, ensuring ongoing support and addressing concerns proactively, offering resources that promote physical and mental well-being, helping employees grow and stay engaged through meaningful guidance, supporting employees with perks and rewards that enhance their overall quality of life, and implementing flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.

Practices suggested in literature include adopting holistic strategies to address all dimensions of well-being, measuring and evaluating programs, investing and securing future funding, gaining management support, listening to employees, cultivating a supportive culture, and providing professional development opportunities. Trends such as the shift towards remote and hybrid work models, increasing awareness of mental health issues, the rise in digital tool usage for work and digital well-being, personalization, social connectivity, sustainability, inclusivity and diversity efforts, financial well-being support, continuous learning and growth, are increasingly recognized as essential to employee well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the basis and basics of employee health and well-being should be the responsibility of all. Employers and employees owe it to themselves and their organizations to ensure health and well-being by supporting strategies that overcome lack of engagement and unwillingness to participate. The three key recommendations to Human Resource Managers by the CIPD Report, 2020, are to build mentally healthy workplaces based on prevention, invest in managers to boost employee well-being, and make more of occupational health (OH).

Spinal Surgeon Reveals 8 Simple Ways to Avoid Back Pain — You Can Do Them Too

Spinal Surgeon Reveals 8 Simple Ways to Avoid Back Pain — You Can Do Them Too

M Hasan    5:28 PM   

Daily Habits for Back Health

Globally, more than 600 million adults experience some form of back pain, making it the leading cause of disability, according to the World Health Organisation. In the UK, NHS figures show that 80 per cent of people will experience back pain at least once in their lifetime. While most cases are not serious and will resolve within a few weeks, for others it can persist for months or even years. A survey by the British Chiropractic Association found that half of Britons suffer with back pain for a year or longer. Now, a spinal surgeon has revealed daily habits he does throughout the day to improve his back health.

Dr David Baxter, a specialist in complex spinal surgery based in London, emphasizes that prevention is the best defence. "The majority of spinal conditions I treat are preventable. We shouldn't wait until our back hurts," he told the Telegraph. "A huge number of patients I operate on wouldn't need surgery if they intervened earlier." He has mapped out a series of non-negotiables to protect his back, including getting a good night's sleep and a list of to-dos which he sticks to in the morning, at work and in the evening.

Get Moving

For years, patients were told that bed rest was the best prevention and remedy for back pain, but this approach has long been debunked. It is also one of the biggest causes of back pain, explained Dr Baxter. He said: "One of the most overlooked issues is a sedentary lifestyle. This is when conditions such as a disc prolapse and spinal stenosis can occur, unless we act."

A disc prolapse, also known as a slipped disc, is a painful condition where a soft cushion of tissue between the bones of the spine bulges outwards. Meanwhile a spinal stenosis causes pain when the nerves are squashed by a narrowing of the spinal bones.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

Dr Baxter starts his day at 5am after a 'good night's sleep', making sure he is in bed by 9.30pm the night before. "Having spent 16 years constantly on call as a neurosurgeon, I really value waking refreshed," he said. While there is little evidence getting up at 5am prevents back pain, a recent study found poor sleep does increase your risk of developing spinal twinges. It is thought this is because the body performs essential repair processes like muscle regeneration and tissue growth while we are asleep.

Because back pain can keep people up at night, some people turn to sleep medications to get shut eye, but the surgeon doesn't recommend them. "They knock you out but don't drop you into the deep, restorative sleep your body needs." Instead, he recommends sticking to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and investing in a good mattress. "There's no one-size-fits-all. I like a very hard mattress with no pillow (they give me neck pain), so my wife and I use a split-density mattress, which works well," he said.

Drink Water First Thing

The first thing he does after waking is "drink a pint of water" because "staying well-hydrated is essential for spinal health," he said. "It keeps the discs flexible, helping protect against wear and tear. It also boosts your energy so you can stay active and recover well," he explained. The discs, which act as shock-absorbing cushions in the spine, are made up of 80 per cent water, so dehydration causes them to shrink. Previously a study also found that dehydration can cause stiffness between the discs and other parts of the spine.

Throughout the day the surgeon makes sure to stay hydrated, aiming to drink "three-to-four litres" of water a day. This is double the NHS' daily fluid recommendation, which says that the average adult only needs to aim for 1.5 to two litres.

Regular Stretching

Next, he does some light mobilisation exercises - gentle, controlled movements that are good for joint health - while listening to the radio. "I work from head to toe, taking each joint through its full range of motion - simple moves like neck rotations and extensions. I focus on my spine, and if my lower back feels tight, I'll stretch it out. A few minutes of daily mobility work is one of the best habits for keeping your body supple."

He recommends the cat-cow stretch, which involves getting on all fours with hands aligned under shoulders. To do the yoga inspired stretch, breathe in as you drop your belly and lift your head to look upwards to get into the 'cow position'. Then exhale as you arch your back towards the ceiling and tuck your chin into your chest to move into the 'cat' position. Repeat this slowly several times to help relieve tension from your neck to lower spine, to prevent back pain. Equally he recommends knee rolls, crawling, glute bridges and side bridges to warm up and engages the back muscles.

Go for a Walk

Four or five mornings a week Dr Baxter goes for a "gentle walk or run". He said: "It's not a training session, just a leg-stretch to enjoy the fresh air and sunrise." This habit, he explained "works on many levels" as "it gets you moving, lubricates your joints, and releases endorphins that reduce pain and lift your mood." It can also help you get sunlight, which is vital for vitamin D production, which "supports bone health". In dark winter months he says a supplement can help. Supporting strong bone health helps strengthen the spine which can prevent painful injuries behind back pain.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast and Fermented Food

Then, he said: "For breakfast, I'll usually have berries with mixed nuts and a couple of spoonfuls of kefir sprinkled with cacao. Gut health is incredibly important for wellbeing, spinal health and preventing inflammation. The gut and spine communicate directly, and your gut flora determines how you process food and medication." Your gut flora is a community of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi in your digestive track that help break down food.

His own research has found a "clear link" between gut health, spinal-cord injury progression, osteoporosis - weak bones - and pain caused by nerve damage. Previous studies have shown probiotics, "good bacteria" which can come as supplements, improve gut health. But Dr Baxter doesn't personally take them, because he doesn't believe that probiotic supplements make much difference. Instead, he hails "fermented foods such as live yoghurt [a fermented milk] or kimchi, with plenty of fruit and vegetables".

Stay Active (and Get a Standing Desk)

It's important to keep moving throughout the day, Dr Baxter said, so he cycles to work when he can. "As a hospital doctor, I'm on my feet a lot - my Garmin [a fitness tracker] shows I cover around seven miles a day. I make a conscious effort to move more," he said. "I walk over to see colleagues instead of calling and get up every 20 to 30 minutes when at my desk. It's good for mental health and relationships."

Meanwhile, at home, he said: "I use a standing desk which is generally good for your posture and can ease back pain, depending on your condition." He warned that "too much sitting is directly linked to spinal problems" which he is seeing more of in his line of work. This includes neck and musculoskeletal issues which he said can manifest as "that hunched "tech-neck" posture which strains your spine."

To avoid prevent this keeps his computer screens at eye level and cuts down on screentime where possible. Dr Baxter also does weight training five days a week, as well as three running sessions - two short and fast sessions, plus a longer slower run on Sundays. "You don't have to do ultra-marathons, but everyone should do resistance training. It builds stability, protects the spine and improves posture, when done correctly," he said. "If you have back pain, or conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis, just adapt what you do. Movement is medicine - even a little helps. If you can't swim, walk up and down the pool - it's great for building muscle. Thai chi and palates are also excellent for controlled movement and core activation."

But he added: "Overdoing it can strain the musculoskeletal system and compromise recovery. I'm seeing younger women with back problems from heavy lifting."

Find Ways to Relax

It's also important to find ways to manage stress which he does by going to a "sauna and cold plunge" after work a few times a week. "They're wonderful way to reset. I also book a monthly massage. Manual therapies can provide short-term relief for back pain and stiffness." A previous study found sitting in a dry sauna can help alleviate lower back pain, but there is limited evidence that heat therapy it can prevent it from developing. However, it can lower stress, which has been linked to a higher risk of developing lower back pain. Similarly, studies have shown that massages done professionally can help treat lower back pain.

Take a Cold Shower Before Bed

Dr Baxter rounds off his day with an icy shower. He said: "Twenty minutes before bed I take a cold shower to lower my body temperature, which helps me fall asleep." This is a habit many experts have recommended doing in the morning to help you stay alert. Previously a study showed that slightly turning the thermostat down can help trigger longer, deeper sleep. But generally experts say people have a warm shower in the evening to fall asleep more easily. This is because the warmth helps release the hormone melatonin - which tells the body it's time to sleep.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Expert Tips to Maximize Its Benefits

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Expert Tips to Maximize Its Benefits

M Hasan    5:00 PM   

The Power of Apples: A Nutritional Superstar

Apples, a humble fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries, are more than just a tasty snack. They offer a wide range of health benefits, from supporting heart health to boosting brain function. With their affordability and availability, especially during apple season, it's no wonder they have become a staple in many diets.

Promotes Gut Health

Apples are an excellent fruit for supporting gut health. A single apple contains around 1.8g of fibre, which contributes to the daily recommended intake of 30g. However, only four percent of UK adults meet this target. Apples are a great source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, promoting regular bowel movements while supporting the growth of healthy gut microbes.

They also contain pectin, a type of soluble fibre mostly found in the peel. Pectin has prebiotic properties, acting as a food source for good gut bacteria, helping them flourish and grow. When these gut microbes feast on pectin, they produce short-chain fatty acids, which support the health of the cells lining the gut while reducing inflammation.

Each apple contains a whopping 100 million microbes, contributing to a healthy gut.

Slashes Diabetes Risk

After eating, blood sugar levels naturally rise. Some foods can cause spikes, leading to fatigue and brain fog. Insulin helps lower blood sugar by instructing cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Apples have a similar effect.

Pectin forms a gel in the gut, slowing down how quickly sugar is released into the bloodstream. Apples also contain plant compounds called polyphenols, which may improve how the body uses insulin. Large population studies show that people who eat apples regularly are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Supports Heart Health

While most fruits are beneficial for heart health, apples may have an edge. Research shows that those who eat the most apples have a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and harmful inflammation compared to those with the lowest intake. This could be due to apples' rich concentration of pectin, which may reduce cholesterol absorption from the gut into the bloodstream.

The European Food Safety Authority advises that around 6g of pectin a day can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Other research suggests that polyphenols in apples offer protective effects by blocking signals that can trigger the narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Promotes Weight Loss

There has been much discussion online about whether apples really are nature’s Ozempic, after a nutritionist made the claim in a viral TikTok. Experts believe there is some truth behind the phenomenon.

Dr. Katerina Petropoulou, an expert in metabolism and digestion at Imperial College London, explained that consuming foods high in soluble fibre, particularly pectin, found in apples, can mimic the effect of Ozempic by ensuring a steady release of gut hormones.

At around 70 calories each, apples can help with weight management if enjoyed instead of ultraprocessed snacks. These snacks can send blood sugar levels skyrocketing without signaling to the brain that we are full, resulting in overeating.

Slashes Cancer Risk

Eating apples may help prevent cancer, according to studies. Research suggests that polyphenols found in apples can help prevent cancerous cells from multiplying. Another study found that people who eat an apple a day were up to a third less likely to develop breast, lung, or mouth cancer.

Apples are also rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and fights cancer cell growth.

Boosts Brain Health

Apples can also support brain health and memory due to their rich quercetin count—a powerful flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that might help lower the risk of cognitive decline.

A review of 14 studies found that quercetin may even have some preventive properties against Alzheimer’s, though more research is needed. Polyphenols have also been shown to boost short-term memory by increasing the width of blood vessels in the brain, allowing more nutrients to reach the organ.

Pink Lady or Granny Smith?

While all apples offer numerous health benefits, some are more nutrient-dense than others. Granny Smith apples contain around 15.4g of sugar, while Pink Lady varieties have slightly more at 15.7g. Braeburns sit somewhere in between at 15.6g per apple.

All apples contain an abundance of health-boosting phytonutrients, which are plant chemicals that exert antioxidant benefits. For example, the red pigment in Braeburn apples is due to phytochemicals called anthocyanins.

However, while some apples may be slightly more sugary than others, variety is key. The more variety of apples we consume, the more health-promoting phytochemicals we will receive. Our gut microbes feast on these phytochemicals, and a diverse intake leads to a more diverse array of gut microbes, which is thought to be healthier, more robust, and more resilient to disease.

Organic or Not?

While organic apples come with fewer pesticide residues, cost and availability also play a role in our choices. Pesticide residues in food have been linked to heart problems, neurodevelopmental disorders, and several types of cancer. However, washing non-organic apples thoroughly can help minimize the risk of ingesting harmful pesticides and deliver a more wallet-friendly nutrient boost.

How to Add Apples to Your Diet

According to both nutritionists, the best way to eat apples is raw, whole, and unpeeled, given the vast majority of its fibre and antioxidant content is concentrated in the skin. Pairing apples with protein or fat, such as stewed apple with a spoonful of yoghurt or nut butter, will slow digestion even further, keeping energy levels steady.

Dipping apple slices in nut or seed butter, such as almond or pumpkin seed butter, provides protein and healthy fats. This combination helps to stabilise blood sugar levels while enhancing the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients. The crunchy texture of raw apples requires more chewing, which slows down our eating pace and can help promote feelings of fullness.

Stewed apple still provides fibre and may be easier on older people's digestion, but it's best to leave it unsweetened to keep blood sugar spikes at bay. Apples are also rich in vitamin C, which helps the body absorb non-haem iron from plant foods, so adding slices to a spinach salad with lentils or chickpeas will enhance iron uptake.

College staff avoid strike action

College staff avoid strike action

M Hasan    9:01 AM   

Health Workers in Tertiary Institutions Continue Operations Amid Ongoing Strike

Health workers in medical centers across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria have taken a firm stance against the ongoing industrial action declared by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). Operating under the Coalition of Healthcare Professionals in Tertiary Education Institutions in Nigeria, these workers have ensured that all medical facilities under their care remain fully functional despite the strike.

The coalition includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists working in tertiary institution medical centers under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education. These professionals are not participating in the strike, emphasizing their commitment to patient care. The 11,000 resident doctors spread across 91 healthcare facilities initiated the industrial action around 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, protesting unpaid arrears, delays in allowances, and other welfare-related issues.

Despite earlier assurances from the government, the striking doctors continue to demand resolution for their grievances. NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, stated that the Federal Government owes doctors and other health workers an estimated N38bn in accumulated allowances. However, the National Chairman of the health professionals’ coalition, Musa Shehu, emphasized that their members would not join the strike, highlighting their focus on patient care.

Shehu acknowledged challenges faced by the coalition, including marginalization within the broader health sector, but stressed that these issues would not deter them from performing their duties. “We are health workers working under the Ministry of Education; naturally, we don’t go on strike. Presently, all our medical centers are operational,” he said.

He urged the public to take advantage of medical centers within tertiary institutions during the period of the resident doctors’ strike, noting that these facilities are available in every state and continue to provide essential healthcare services.

Government Takes Steps to Resolve the Strike

The Federal Government has initiated moves to end the doctors’ strike. Less than 24 hours after the commencement of the strike, the government announced it would release N11.995bn within 72 hours for the payment of outstanding arrears, including accoutrement allowances, to doctors and other health workers across the country.

According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the move is part of ongoing efforts to resolve welfare concerns raised by the doctors and other unions and to reaffirm its commitment to industrial peace and reform in the health sector. The statement reiterated that the assurance was made during a high-level meeting led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, between the top management of the ministry and the leadership of NARD.

The government remains committed to ensuring that the welfare, motivation, and stability of the nation’s health workforce serve as the foundation of all health policies and programmes. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare commenced the payment of seven months’ arrears of the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure to all categories of health workers.

Addressing Staffing Challenges

To address the strain caused by brain drain and prolonged working hours, the ministry disclosed that the Federal Government had granted special waivers for the massive recruitment of healthcare professionals across federal tertiary institutions. Over 20,000 health workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied professionals, were recruited across 58 federal health institutions in 2024, while recruitment for 2025 is ongoing, with 15,000 health workers already approved for employment.

The government stated that the recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s health facilities are adequately staffed, safe, and equipped to deliver quality care to citizens.

Ongoing Negotiations and Resolutions

Collective bargaining discussions are ongoing with the Nigerian Medical Association, where NARD is an affiliate, the Joint Health Sector Unions, and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives. To deepen dialogue and proffer solutions to controversial issues that arose in the course of the CBA, the ministry has engaged a professional negotiator, Professor of Industrial Relations, Dafe Otobo, to facilitate further constructive engagements between the government and union leaders.

Discussions are progressing on all the points raised by the health unions, including NARD, an affiliate of NMA. Such issues include specialist and other allowances, salary relativity, appointment of consultant cadres in hospitals, and other welfare-related matters.

Addressing Specific Concerns

Regarding the dismissal of five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, the government clarified that three of the affected staff who did not face a properly constituted disciplinary committee have been offered the opportunity to be reabsorbed into service if they wish, while two others who appeared before a disciplinary panel will have their cases reviewed by Prof. Otobo, who is expected to submit a report within four weeks for appropriate administrative action.

On the issue of certificate categorisation, the government explained that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria reclassified, rather than downgraded, certificates issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical College from Category B to C. It described this as a routine regulatory adjustment and said consultations are ongoing with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to address any concerns arising from the decision.

The ministry also attributed delays in payment and promotions to administrative processes within the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System but assured that engagements are ongoing with relevant agencies to fast-track resolutions.

Conclusion

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reiterates that these interventions reflect the Federal Government’s unalloyed resolve to safeguard the rights and welfare of health workers, ensure industrial harmony, and uphold the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians. Our health workforce is the bedrock of Nigeria’s healthcare reform. Every policy, investment, and strategy we implement under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative is anchored on their well-being, motivation, and professional fulfilment.