Posted on: Thu 20-10-2022

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A TWO-DAY MEETING OF SENIOR STAFF ASSOCIATION, TEACHING HOSPITALS, RESEARCH INSISTUTE/SPECIALIST HOSPITALS AND FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRES SECTOR HELD ON 12TH - 13TH OF OCTOBER, 2022 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR TEACHING HOSPITAL, CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE.

The council-in session discussed issues bothering on welfare and condition of service of our members, the state of the nation and resolved as follows:

BRAIN DRAIN IN THE HEALTH SECTOR 

Notes with dismay the rate at which health workers especially professionals are migrating out of the country for greener pastor. It is sad to reveal that most of our health institutions are deteriorating, conditions surrounding work place activities are not suitable and there are no adequate consumables for health workers to work with, as well as poor welfare package and other socio-economic conditions in the country. We appeal that urgent step should be taken to rectify the situation.

ADJUSTMENT OF CONSOLIDATED HEALTH SALARY STRUCTURE (CONHESS) 

Council urges federal government to as a matter of urgency implement the 30th September 2017 agreement to the letter within 5 weeks of signing the agreement about 5 years ago. Council also observes the slow-paced ongoing processes and discussions between federal government and joint health sector unions (JOHESU) on CONHESS adjustment. The council therefore: admonishes government to expedite actions on this process for the subsequent approval in order to maintain industrial harmony.

NON-PAYMENT OF PROMOTION ARREARS 

Council observes with displeasure that some institutions still owe their staff promotion arrears from year 2014 till date. Council therefore, calls on the federal and state governments to make funds available to IPPIS within the next two week so as to clear backlog of arrears without further delay. 

COVID-19 SPECIAL INDUCENIENT ALLOWANCE 

Council urges the Federal Government to pay the balance of 40% being two months of COVID-19 Special Inducement allowance owed our members. Consequently, it demands the payment of 40% balance of the remaining two months to our members who were erroneously paid 10%. While those institutions that have not paid should urgently pay accordingly. 

NON-REMITTANCE OFTHIRD-PARTYDEDUCTIONS/DELAYLNREMITTANCES 

Council is displeased with the non-remittance of third-party deductions to various unions and cooperatives in our Hospitals as and when due by IPPIS. It was also observed that even when remitted there is considerable delay for months. Council urges the Government of all levels to as a matter or urgency, make remittances of deducted but unremitted funds to the unions and cooperatives without further delay and remit third-party deductions forthwith. 

NON-PAYMENT OF NEW HAZARD ALLOWANCE TO HEALTH WORKERS 

Council observes with dismay the delay, despite our several written representations expressing the need for Government to pay our members arrears of Hazard Allowance. The selective treatment by the government in paying the medical Doctors four months and five months arrears paid in tranches without any attempt to pay other Health Workers has raised avoidable tension in the health sector. It therefore, resolved that it can no longer guarantee continued services if our members are not paid all the arrears within one week to avoid industrial crisis in the health sector.

STATE OF THE NATION 

Council observes the rise in trend of hate speeches and clamour for disintegration of the country by Nigerians as we move into electioneering campaigns season. After thorough discussion and critical evaluation of the situation, council agrees that political players should ensure Nigerians de-escalate aggressiveness and violence by avoiding hate speeches, while engaging on issues-based campaigns and abhor allegiance to masses rather than personal interest. Council further calls on the government to arrest the degenerating security situations in the country to improve the quality of lives of average Nigerians before it is too late.

Signed:

Comrade Kabir Mustapha cno

Ag. Sector Chairman 

Comrade Joseph C. Ugwoke (JP)

Ag. Sector Secretary 

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