The Federal Government has said that it will announce a final decision on the proposed new hazard allowance for health workers.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige at the end of a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) with the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and its affiliates on Monday in Abuja, according to NAN.
The meeting bordered on the review of the hazard allowance and deliberations were made on the removal of NYSC doctors/interns from the Scheme of Service and also the upward review of retirement age for medical/health workers.
What the Minister is saying
Ngige stated that the review of the hazard allowance is part of the efforts of the government to make people in the medical and health system happy and have confidence in the sector, thereby stemming the tide of ‘brain drain’. He added that the FG has decided to come out with a position next week, in order to lay the matter to rest.
“We have collected all the raw materials needed to do the work. You have been very supportive. You have given us your positions.
“The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) 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 (CBAs).
“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,” he said.
He added that the FG is putting a review of the hazard allowance and also vigorously pursuing the issue of Group Life Insurance.
“There is compensation for injuries sustained by any worker in the course of work through the Employee Compensation Act, ECA, handled by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
“We intend in the 2022 fiscal year to make it a very universal item or application for all classes of workers including health workers,” he said.