Newly elected Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Union, Imo State Branch, Comrade Nzenwata Francis has enjoined Governor Rochas Okorocha to review upwards the hazard allowance for health workers in the state following the Ebola virus threat

 

According to him, since it is apparent that the health workers are the major victims of the Ebola disease scourge, it becomes pertinent that financial grants be provided to the sector.

 

He observed that members of the Joint Health Sector Union are most vulnerable as they come in close contact with all affected persons, and so, it becomes imperative that their health hazard allowance be reviewed upwardly from the present N5000.

 

The executive members of the Union made this view known to newsmen on Monday l8 August, 2014 at the State Secretariat of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).

 

In their address, the new officers of the Union, who include Lady Augustina Ogini, Deacon Onah Ikedi, Comrade Ihesinulo Austin Tony, Comrade Chukwu E.E. and Comrade (Mrs) Margaret Ekananem implored all health workers to adhere strictly to professional standards in management of effected victims of the Ebola Virus.

 

Comrade Nzenwata, who is also the State Chairman of Medical and Health Workers Union Imo State branch, advised that since the Ebola disease has no known cure for now, preventive action must be invigorated to avoid spread of the virus.

 

The union also encouraged members of the Public to ensure that they wash their hands regularly with soap after handshake with people and  avoid over crowded places, stop eating of primates like antelopes bats, monkeys and ensure cremation of dead bodies of Ebola victims.

 

Comrade Nzenwata also advised religious organizations to avoid hand shaking, hugging and other conducts that could spread the Ebola disease.

 

He elucidated that the symptoms of the virus manifest in the affected persons between two – three weeks. According to him, the symptoms include; fever, muscle and throat pains, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Other symptoms are bleeding from the nose, ear, eyes, anus, male or female organs, mouth, ear and all openings of the body that finally result to the death of the affected individual.

 

The virus is acquired when victims come in close contact with body fluids or blood of infection

 

The Labour Leader Praised Governor Rochas Okorocha for paying two months’ salary arrears to staff of the Specialist Hospital Umuguma. He however urged the Governor to liquidate the remaining eight months arrears.

 

He also commended the governor for his early intervention in providing kits and other control equipment and for designating four hospitals for the treatment of Ebola virus victims.

 

According to him, the hospitals include; Okigwe General Hospital, Ihitte-Uboma General Hospital, Specialist Hospital Umuguma and Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu.

 

In his contribution, Deacon Onah Ikedi, the State Secretary of the union expressed support to the Federal Government for banning inter-state transfer of corpse