Following Covid-19 Pandemic infection, the Nigeria Medical Association ( NMA), Delta state branch, has urged the state Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, to as a matter of urgency domesticate health workers’ hazard allowances to help encourage the health workers
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 Health Professional Association, and union on Covid-19 special incentives for health workers would enhance willingness of the health workers amidst the hazards.
He said, “the agreement which reached on April 21, 2020 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”, adding that until now, the hazard allowances had been N5,000 as the current realities brought about by novel Coronavirus had it unarguably insignificant given the need for health workers to be properly kitted.
The association emphasized that the re- introduction of ID cards became necessary at the outset of the state Covid-19 state wide lockdown which led to members having to identify themselves before security agents, affirming that the NMA had been awake to their responsibilities, adding” 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”
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Dr. Ekenaem explained that the efforts of the association remained auspicious movement when the approach to fight against the Coronavirus Pandemic needed constant tweaking for effectiveness.
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).
The Senior Special Assistant ( SSA) to Governor Okowa on Social Investment Programme ( SIP) Elder Isioma Okonta who Confirmed this to Journalists in Asaba on Friday, said that the payment of stipends to widows enrolled in the state SIP was sequel to approval given by the state Governor.
The SSA added that it was aimed at ensuring that widows feel sense of belonging in the present administration.