The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State chapter, has issued a stern warning to embark on industrial action if the state government fails to promptly fulfil its promise to review the hazard allowance for medical practitioners in government-owned hospitals.
News About Nigeria gathered that doctors in Ondo State have long decried the paltry hazard allowance of N5,000, which they receive for their vital work. The state government had given its approval for an upward revision of this allowance but has yet to implement the increase.
Speaking at a press conference during the NMA 2023 Physicians’ Week in Akure, Dr. Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, the Chairman of Ondo NMA, expressed the association’s concerns and demands.
He disclosed that the state government had assured them that the updated hazard allowance would be paid this week. However, failure to fulfil this promise by Friday might trigger another industrial action by the doctors.
Dr. Adeyemi-Osowe noted that the Ondo NMA faces several challenges, including a shortage of medical personnel. The state government had announced plans to employ over 1,000 health workers, and the NMA is eagerly awaiting the commencement of the recruitment process.
Additionally, the doctors have been awaiting the implementation of the revised hazard allowance.
The Chairman stated, “Before the hazard allowance review, we were receiving a meagre N5,000. This allowance has been reviewed by the Federal Government, but Ondo State has yet to implement it.
“Although we were promised implementation in Ondo State, it has not materialised. The government, through the Permanent Secretary on establishment, assured us that a circular would be issued on or before the end of the week.”
Dr Adeyemi-Osowe also touched upon the challenges of ‘brain drain’ in the state’s health sector, emphasising the need for the government to enhance the welfare of the remaining health workers to address this issue effectively.
The doctors remain hopeful that the state government will take swift action to implement the revised hazard allowance and alleviate their longstanding concerns to prevent industrial action.
