COVID-19: NMA urges Okowa to domesticate hazard allowances for health workers
The Delta state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, to domesticate hazard allowances of health workers to boost their morale in the struggle to combat the coronavirus.
NMA Chairman in the state, Dr. Omo Ekenaem, who spoke to journalists in Asaba on Friday, said that the domestication and implementation of the agreement reached between the federal government and the Health Professional Association, and Union on COVID-19 special incentives for health workers would enhance the willingness of health workers to fight the scourge.
According to him’ the agreement which was reached on April 21, addressed the agitation for an upward review of hazard allowances and compensation for health workers at the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 virus which would in turn motivate them to do more.
He added that until now, the hazard allowance had been N5,000 as the current realities brought about by the novel coronavirus had made the current amount insignificant in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
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“I want to appreciate members of the NMA, especially as health workers because their attitude to work so far, shows that they are not the striking workers as many think as a number of them have put their lives on the line to save people,” he stated.
Dr. Ekenaem therefore, appealed to the governor to ensure the domestication of the hazard allowances for health workers.
Meanwhile, the state government will next week commence payment of two months stipends to 5,607 selected widows enrolled in the state Social Investment Programme (SIP).
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okowa on Social Investment Programme, Elder Isioma Okonta, who confirmed this to journalists in Asaba on Friday, said that the payment of stipends to widows enrolled under the programme was sequel to the governor’s approval.
He added that the payment is aimed at ensuring that widows feel a sense of belonging in the present administration.
