The Minister of State for Well being and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, has reiterated the Federal Authorities’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of well being staff within the nation.
Mr Salako made this assertion in Abuja on Tuesday throughout a courtesy go to to the manager physique of the Nationwide Affiliation of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
He acknowledged the considerations raised by the Nationwide President of NANNM, Haruna Mamman, and guaranteed that the longstanding calls for of the affiliation could be addressed.
Particularly, he identified that the delay in implementing the scheme of service for nurses, the 2012 Nationwide Industrial Courtroom of Nigeria (NICN) judgment, and wage changes would all be resolved.
The minister pledged to interact related businesses, together with the Nationwide Salaries, Incomes and Wages Fee, to make sure a well timed decision.
“I’m assuring you that I’ll take this matter personally to the coordinating minister. I ask that you just take me by phrase,” Mr Salako harassed.
He emphasised the very important position nurses play within the healthcare system, noting that their dedication was essential to nationwide growth.
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He urged the affiliation to proceed constructive engagement with the federal government, emphasising that dialogue ought to exchange industrial actions.
“Patriotism ought to information our actions. As caregivers, the lives of many rely upon you,” he stated.
“Whereas your calls for are legitimate, we should take into account the impression of extended strikes on affected person care and the healthcare system.”
Mr Salako additionally expressed concern in regards to the mass exodus of nurses to overseas nations on account of poor working situations, highlighting that the continuing mind drain is exacerbating Nigeria’s healthcare disaster.
He inspired nurses to stay within the nation to assist construct the system, stressing that if all healthcare staff depart, the nation would face important challenges.
“Our hospitals needn’t shut. The system should work by way of our collective efforts and we see nurses as companions on this mission,” he stated.
In his remarks, Mr Mamman acknowledged the Minister’s go to and defined that nurses had endured years of unmet guarantees, refraining from industrial motion for 2 years, hoping their considerations could be addressed.
He identified that despite the NICN judgment of 2012, its implementation continues to be pending, and the affiliation’s persistence is carrying skinny.
“Nurses are at their breaking level. If pressing motion will not be taken, we might don’t have any alternative however to escalate our calls for by way of lawful means,” he warned.
Mr Mamman urged the federal government to expedite actions on nurses’ calls for, together with a assessment of their remuneration and dealing situations to stop additional migration.
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The Normal Secretary of NANNM, Thomas Shettima, harassed the necessity to gazette the scheme of service, which was authorized by state heads of service 9 years in the past.
Mr Shettima expressed frustration that despite repeated assurances from authorities officers, no concrete steps have been taken to formalise the scheme, leaving nurses unsure about their future.
“Our members have waited lengthy sufficient. We don’t need industrial motion, however continued neglect of our calls for might result in disruptions within the healthcare sector,” he stated.
He additionally highlighted the important position of nurses in nationwide emergencies, reminiscent of illness outbreaks and humanitarian crises, urging the federal government to recognise and adequately reward their sacrifices.
(NAN)
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