The Federal Government says it will make its final decision on the proposed new hazard allowance for health workers next week.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, said this in Abuja Monday at the end of a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) with the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and its affiliates on Monday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, among other things, deliberated on the review of the hazard allowance, the NMA position on the retention of MDCAN and MEDSABAM members on CONMESS Salary Structure.
Ngige said government had a good interface with the medical association, though the issue prolonged for nine months.
He described the review of the hazard allowance as part of the efforts of the government to make people in the medical and health system happy and have confidence in the sector, thereby stemming the tide of brain drain.
“On the government side, we’re giving you our commitment that this is the last meeting on this matter. After this meeting, the government will study the proposals and make our recommendations, which will go to Mr. President for final approval,” Ngige said.
Responding, NMA President, Innocent Ujah, said: “The issue of brain drain has become an albatross on their neck, which if not quickly contained, the country would be sitting on a time bomb.
“Very soon, we’ll be faced with the stack reality of not having competent hands to manage our cases and we’re exporting our best to those who would not probably need them as much as we do.” (NAN)
