FG Promises Better Days For Health Sector Workers
Workers in the Nigerian healthcare sector would begin to earn improved hazard allowance soon.
Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment gave the assurance while speaking at the 41st Ordinary General Meeting of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Awka on Thursday.
Ngige was represented by Dr Emmanuel Azuike, the Ag. Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka.
He said series of meetings had been held on the upward review of health workers’ hazard allowance and that discussions had reached an advanced stage.
The minister said, in no distance time, figures will be fixed and health workers will begin to earn higher hazard allowances.
Ngige, a medical doctor himself commended Resident Doctors for their contributions to the nation’s health sector while urging them to tow the path of dialogue in resolving any industrial issue.
According to him, I am always open for dialogue, the president of NARD can always reach me through phone on any matter.
On his part, Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, National President of NARD called on governments at all levels to fund the healthcare sector to enable it shoulder the immense demand for health services.
Okhuaihesuyi the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 exposed the inefficiency in the sector as public health institutions could not respond to the scourge readily due to poor infrastructure.
He recalled that no fewer than 19 NARD members died in the fight against COVID-19 while a number of them had been lost to brain drain as they moved to countries that provided better welfare and work tools.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 has proven us right again that our health Institutions. Tertiary Health Institutions are weak and nothing to hold onto.
“The pandemic dealt heavily with Resident Doctors having lost over 19 of our members to this scourge, but we are relieved that our service to humanity has not fallen short of our mantra and calling
“Poor Remuneration, Poor Health Institutions has been the strong reasons for migrations and this has further weakened our resolve to stand firm for our citizens.
“This OGM provides us wlh the platform to X-ray our plights and shortcomings as it pertains to our welfare, it is another opportunity to extensively deliberate on all issues that bother on quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr Dubem Awachie, Chairman of the Local Organisation Committee said the OGM commenced on Monday with visits to the state government and host institutions, Azikiwe Varsity and Ojukwu University Teaching Hospitals.
Awachie no fewer than 200 delegates from across the country while assuring that logistics had been put in place for a memorial meeting.
“Anambra is a home of hospitality, delegates are asuured of comfort and security while they are here because the governor, Chief Willie Obiano places high premium on health, security and welfare of the people,” he said.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr Nosa Orhue, a Consultant Public Health Physician who spoke on the theme “Career Pathway for Doctors: Addressing the Needless Controversies and Way Forward
