Posted on: Mon 09-08-2021

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A TWO-DAY MEETING OF SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITIES, TEACHING HOSPITALS, RESEARCH INSTITUTES, AND ASSOCIATED INSTITUTIONS (SSAUTHRIAL) (TEACHING/SPECIALIST HOSPITALS SECTOR) HELD 28TH - 29TH JULY, 2021 AT THE NNAMDI AZIKWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE

The council at the meeting resolves as follows: 

ADJUSTMENT OF CONHESS SALARY STRUCTURE 

Council urges the Federal Ministry of Health as a matter of utmost urgency to begin the processes to implement the 30th September 2017 agreement on adjustment of CONHESS Salary Structure as was done to CONMESS, which it promised to implement to the later within 5 weeks of signing the agreement about 4 years ago. 

PAYMENT OF 2.5% PENSION INCREMENT ARREARS AND DEMAND FOR PAYMENT OF GRATUITY 

The Council appreciates the Federal Government is considering the approval and implementation of a 25% increment in the contributory pension as a result of the amendment of the 2014 Pension Act to our retirees' in-service workers. Council also uses this medium to demand the immediate and quick return of payment of gratuity of retirees at the point of retirement. The return of gratuity would motivate workers for effective productivity and service delivery while in service and also end the suffering of pensioners which they now experience immediately after retirement.

Council also resolves that the current 50% benefits accrued pension being paid retirees should be increased to 75% or more as it is being generally clamored for and should be paid to beneficiaries as soon as they exist service.

PAYMENT OF GROUP LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS 

Council commends the Federal Government for the commencement of payment of life insurance benefits to the next of kin of the health workers who died in the course of their services to humanity. 

NON-REMITTANCE OF THIRD PARTY DEDUCTIONS/DELAY IN REMITTANCES 

Council- in session notes with dismay the non-remittance of third party deduction to various unions and cooperatives in our Hospitals by the IPPIS. It was also observed that even when remitted there is a considerable delay from month to month.

Council, therefore, urges the Federal Government to as matter of urgency make remittance of deducted but unremitted funds to the Unions and cooperatives without further delay and forthwith promptly remits third party deductions. 

NEEDS TO OVERHAUL NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (NHIS) 

Council notes the continuous reduction in the standard of National Hearth Insurance Scheme services to Nigerians. When the scheme was established under the NHIS Act, Cap N42, LFN, 2004, it was a step aimed at providing easy access to health care for all Nigerians at affordable cost, but for many enrollees the NHIS, the reverse is the case. The government is therefore urged to take a holistic approach to prevent factors responsible for some of these problems faced by the enrollees and start a process to review prices of drugs, laboratory services, and others to meet the present economic realities.

UPWARD REVIEW OF TRAVELLING ALLOWANCE AND PERDIEM 

Council observes with dismay the present meager amount being paid by the Federal Government to officers embarking on all official travels as duty tour allowance. This policy as enshrined in the public service rules since 2008 is long overdue for review and the Government is therefore urged to upwardly review it without further delay. 

COVID-19 SPECIAL HAZARD/INDUCEMENT ALLOWANCE 

Council urges the Federal Ministry of Health to respect the spirit of the MOU signed with the unions on 21st April 2020 which stipulates that all health workers previously earning Five thousand naira as hazard allowance be replaced with 50% of their consolidated basic salary as COVID-19 Special Hazard/ Inducement allowance. All workers in the health sector are at risk; therefore, there is no basis for discriminatory payment. All workers in the health sector are at risk: therefore, there is no basis for discriminatory payment. It is to be noted that at a meeting with JOHESU on July 1st, 2020, and subsequently on 2nd June 2021, the government admitted that the 10% payment to some health workers was made in error and the process of payment of the shortfall is Ongoing. Consequently, the council demands expedite action for the payment of the balance of 40% to all health workers. 

WITHHELD APRIL AND MAY 2018 SALARIES 

Council frowns at the continued delay in payment of withheld salaries of April and May 2018 of Health Workers, Council, therefore, urges the Federal Government to effect the payment in the interest of industrial harmony. 

NON-PAYMENT OF PROMOTION ARREARS

Council observes with dismay that some institutions still owe their staff promotion arrears from the year 2017 to date, We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to make funds available to clear the backlog of arrears without further delay. 

STATE OF THE NATION 

Council is alarmed at the unprecedented rise in the trend of kidnapping, banditry, and general insecurity in various parts of the county. And calls on the government to arrest the degenerating security situations to improve the quality of life of average Nigerians before it is too late.

Signed:

Pharm. (Dr.) Solomon S. Age

Sector Chairman 

Comrade Ademola Olajire

Sector Secretary 

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