Posted on: Wed 30-03-2022

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 ON 23RD – 24TH OF MARCH, 2022 AT THE FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, EBUTE METTA, LAGOS STATE 

The council at the meeting resolves as follows: 

WITHHELD APRIL AND MAY 2018 SALARIES

Council frowns at the continued delay in payment of withheld salaries of April and May, 2018 salaries of the Health Workers despite the directive of Mr. President, Muhamadu Buhari (GCFR) which he had given since early December 2021. This scenario of withheld salaries affected health workers and the resident Doctors but the doctors received a preferential treatment and were paid barely two weeks after presidential Approval, leaving the Health workers unpaid till now. Council therefore, urges the General Government to effect the payment to our embers in the interest of industrial peace and harmony. 

ADJUSTMENT OF CONHESS SALARY STRUCTURE 

Council urges the Federal Government as a matter of urgency implement the 30th September 2017 agreement on adjustment of CONHESS Salary Structure, which it agreed to implement to the latter within 5 weeks of signing the agreement about 5 years ago. 

COVID-19 SPECIAL INDUCEMENT ALLOWANCE 

Council urges the Federal Government to pay the balance of 40% two months of COVID-19 Special Inducement allowance owned our members. Consequently, the council demands the payment of 40% balance of remaining two months to our members erroneously paid 10%. While those institutions that have not been paid should be paid in full. 

NON-REMITTANCE OF THIRD PARTY DEDUCTIONS / DELAY IN REMITTANCES 

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

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

PAYMENT OF NEW HAZARD ALLOWANCE

Council appreciates the Federal Government for giving Approval and circularization of the new hazard Allowance for Health Workers. Despite the circularization of the Approval, council notes with dismay the non-payment of the new hazard allowance and therefore request the Federal Government to expedite actions in the implementation. 

PAYMENT OF 75% ACCRUED PENSION RIGHTS TO RETIREE 

Council appreciates and weigh it’s support to the National Assembly in the review of ongoing bill to allow withdrawal of up to 75% Accrued Pension right / Lump sum by retirees from their Retirement Savings Account under the contributory pension scheme. This will assist our teeming retirees in gaining access to enough fund that will be needed to plan their retirement years. Council therefore, urges the National Assembly to expedite action in passing this bill.

UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (RECONSTRUCTION OF BOARDS ETC) ACT (AMENDMENT) 

Council appreciates the concerted efforts of the Federal House of Representatives through the sponsor by Hon. Bamidele Salam of a bill to amend the Act CAP 463 LFN, known as the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstruction of Boards, etc) in Nigeria in order to ensure fairness and equity Hospital management, as it is no longer in tune with the current operations of our tertiary health institutions. Council strongly suggest that the amendment of the bill will suitably liberalize the headship of teaching Hospitals/Federal Medical centrs with a view to appointing credibly, professionally unbiased, experienced health administrators or professionals that will provide enabling environment and equitable allocation utilization of resources which is in tandem with international best practices for optimal discharge of quality health care at all levels in Nigeria. 

ASSENT TO BILL ABOLISHING B.SC, HND DICHOTOMY ‘

Council appreciates the giant stride made by the National Assembly in passing the bill to abolish Dichotomy between university degree holders and High National Diploma holders. Council therefore, urges President Muhammadu (GCFR) to give his assent to the bill in order to ensure the growth of polytechnic education in Nigeria. 

EXTENSION OF NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME( NHIS) TO RETIREES

Council observes with dismay how unaffordable and stressful it is to access a good healthcare facility for treatment by our retires due to their disenrollment from the scheme (NHIS), immediately after retirement from the service. Council therefore, urges all relevant authorities in the National Health Insurance Scheme to begin the process of extending the benefits of the scheme to retirees in line with the country’s journey to universal health insurance. 

STATE OF THE NATION

Council express its displeasure over the ongoing scarcity of Petrol and reappearing of queues across many cities in the country. This has made many Nigerians struggle to go to work or engage in other daily routines which has a ripple effect on every facet of the economy. Traffic gridlock appeared across major parts of Nigeria as many service lanes were closed to traffic due to queues from petrol stations. Council therefore, demands that President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) should identify and punish those who caused the scarcity that brought untold hardship upon Nigerians. In furtherance to the demands, council urges the Federal Government to revamp our refineries. 

Signed:

Comrade Kabir Mustaphacna

Ag. Sector Chairman 

Comrade (Barr) Felix Uwadae

DGS & Sector Secretary

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