Nurses and midwives moan exclusion amid exodus to foreign countries
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nurses and midwives say they are not happy about their exclusion from the 40 per cent pay rise Abuja announced for federal civil servants.
The National Association Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institution (NANNM-FHI) expressed its displeasure in a statement issued by National Chairman, NANNM-FHI sector in Abuja.
Rilwan described the exclusion as an aberration and attempt to cause problems in the system, saying nurses and other health workers have been calling for salary adjustment since 2001, with several committees set up to this effect.
He lamented the reports of the committees have not been implemented.
He quoted Labour Minister Chris Ngige as saying “the pay rise for federal government workers is to cushion the effects of inflation, rising cost of living, hike in transportation fare, housing and electricity tariff.”
Rilwan insisted the government has no justification to exclude some sections of civil servants, especially in the health sector, from the pay rise as everyone, including workers, patronise the same market and pay the same bills.
He noted the decision comes at a time of mass exodus of nurses and midwives to greener pastures abroad, which increases the workload on the few of them on the ground at home.
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Motivation to salvage health sector
“Instead of motivating those health workers, who have agreed to stay in the country to salvage the health system by this pay rise, the best thing government could do was to exclude nurses,” Rilwan said, per Vanguard.
“The last time Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS) was adjusted was in 2010 and most of the allowances due to nurses were being short-paid, for instance 30 per cent shift allowance with less than 10 per cent being paid to nurses.
“Many things are causing agitation, including Nurses Special Salary Structure.
“However, we are just getting the news this weekend and we are studying the situation while consultation with relevant stakeholders is ongoing, especially our parent body.
“But the fact is that our members are not happy with the exclusion and we cannot continue keeping quiet.
“Nurses have suffered enough neglect and deprivation as front line workers in health sector.”
Rilwan said the NANNM is happy civil servant salaries are increased, but would resist the exclusion of its members if steps are not taken to reverse the decision.
He warned the association has remained calm despite years of neglect, with the government taking it for granted, but it is no longer easy calming the members down as they are ready to take action.
Rilwan added the NANNM would resist deprivation in the health sector, especially through remuneration, training, and policy making.