| Nasarawa records 15 confirmed cases | Katsina health workers insist on strike as patients suffer
BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, GODWIN ENNA, AHMED TAHIR, ACHOR ABIMAJE
Some survivors of the diphtheria outbreak ravaging parts of Northern Nigeria, including Katsina, Kano, Plateau and Nasarawa states, have recounted their experiences, with some saying they could not explain how they contracted the disease.
Communities in the affected states have been battling outbreaks that have claimed several lives and led to the admission of many patients in isolation centres.
Badiya Bishir, a resident of Sabuwar Unguwar in Katsina metropolis who has recovered from diphtheria, said she did not know when or where she contracted the disease.
“I don’t know when I contracted the disease. It started when I began having difficulty swallowing saliva. I couldn’t sleep that night. When I started spitting, blood came out with my saliva ,” she said.
She was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with diphtheria and placed on medication.
“I was later given medication, and now I’m okay,” she said.
Also, Sadiq Muhammad Tukur, whose wife contracted diphtheria, said he was initially disturbed by her condition but did not realise that she had the disease.
He said he initially thought her symptoms were caused by catarrh until doctors confirmed the diagnosis.
“I was disturbed when it started. At first, I thought it was catarrh, but later it was confirmed to be the disease,” he said.
Tukur disclosed that he spent more than N50,000 on his wife’s medication and treatment, highlighting the financial burden associated with the disease.
Katsina Health Workers Insist On Strike As Patients, Staff Bear Brunt
Meanwhile, a looming strike by health workers in Katsina State threatens to further strain the state’s healthcare system as authorities battle the diphtheria outbreak and facilities grapple with rising patient loads.
The Medical and Health Workers’ Union has announced plans to commence industrial action from 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday over what it described as the Katsina State Government’s failure to satisfactorily address its demands for salary adjustment, allowances, welfare and other conditions of service.
The planned strike has raised concerns about its possible impact on healthcare delivery, particularly for patients receiving treatment for diphtheria and other infectious diseases.
However, the union insists that the planned action predates the current outbreak.
Speaking on the matter, Comrade Ibrahim Awal Balengi said the union had been engaging the government for more than two years over workers’ welfare and other grievances.
He said the union issued its ultimatum before the diphtheria outbreak became a major concern in the state.
