The Federal Government has taken a stand on the proposed new hazard allowance for health workers.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige made this known in a meeting on Monday.
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During the meeting with the Nigeria Medical Association, Ngige said the decision of the Government would be revealed next week.
The meeting involved the Presidential Committee and the Nigeria Medical Association.
“FG to decide on hazard allowance for health workers next week” was the theme.
They also discussed Salaries of the health workers.
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Amongst the issues deliberated upon were:
- The review of the hazard allowance.
- The NMA position on the retention of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria.
- Dental Doctors in Academics members on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
- Removal of National Youth Service Corps doctors/interns from the scheme of service.
- Upward review of retirement age for medical and health workers. Presentation by the Federal Ministry of Health and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to review this.
Ngige said that although the issue was prolonged for nine months, the government had a good interface.
He also said that this review was an effort by the government to make health workers happy. He further explained that this would boost confidence in the sector.
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Ngige said that government would take a final decision next week to complete the phase. This is due to the materials at the disposal of the government.
He said, “We have collected all the raw materials needed to do the work. You have been very supportive. You have given us positions. The Joint Health Sector Unions covering other professional unions in the health sector has done same and over time, we have had various associations write us at one time or the other, which is allowed in Collective Bargaining Agreements.
“Even CBAs can be changed over time. What you people did is in consonance with the social dialogue on fixing wages and allowances. On the government side, we are giving you our commitment that this is the last meeting on this matter. After this meeting, the government will study the proposals and make our recommendations, which will go to Mr. President for final approval.”
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan reiterated this stand.
He added that present N5,000 hazard allowance was meaningless for the health workers.
Source: PUNCH HealthWise