Stemming from non implementation of the new hazard and call duty allowances to healthcare workers in Bayelsa State, the Coalition of Health Professionals in the State have staged a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the State Government, Stakeholders and the general public to its plight.
The protest, held on Tuesday, October 17 at Yenagoa-Mbiama Expressway via Ekeki Park axis, saw the Healthcare workers barricade the axis with placards that read; “Gov. Diri, let health workers breathe; Bayelsa is rich to leave her health workers impoverished and Bayelsa Health Workers are not second class citizens” among others.
In a statement by the Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives ( NANNM), Nurse Fii Tornubari Samuel, during the peaceful protest explained that the essence of the protest is to draw attention over issues that concern health workers in Bayelsa State.
Nurse Samuel mentioned that non implementation of the new hazard allowance, which a circular was issued since December 2021 is not encouraging the healthcare professionals who are wire life of the nation, adding that other health workers at the federal facilities had been paid accordingly.
He mentioned that States like Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti among others have received the said allowance, while frowning that Bayelsa is among the few States that has not paid.
The NANNM scribe explained that the State governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri promised to pay the allowance during the last workers day, but wondered why the promise has not been fulfilled. He called on the Governor not to renege in his promises.
Nurse Samuel further stated that the non implementation of the revised ‘call duty’ allowance by the State government is another area in dispute.
He said the circular directing the effect of payment was released since 2014 which has not been implemented till date.
“Health workers in Bayelsa have not relented in their duty call despite the challenges they face both at work and in the society. The biggest challenge here is that they are not being appreciated.
“They are not getting what their colleagues in other States and Federal Health institutions are getting. Why would Bayelsa case be different, are we second class. citizens?” queried Nr. Samuel.
Nr. Samuel added that the government should begin the process of payment of the new consolidated health salary structure of 2023, noting that new entry point for graduate nurses in Bayelsa has a circular in 2022 which has not been implemented yet in the State.
He mentioned that other States have implemented it including the Federal Health institutions.
“We deserve good treatment as healthcare workers. We want all the signed agreements implemented. Secondly, Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pharmacists should be properly placed and their entry point should be effected, said Nr. Samuel.
Also, speaking at the rally, the Secretary of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Pharmacist Manovie Ambrose Elliot said the protest is to express the dissatisfaction of members of the Health Profession Coalition as a body. He declared that his association totally align with the position of the NAMN scribe.
In the same vein, the Secretary of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Bayelsa State branch, Zebedee Loveday, described the protest as an expression of the sadness of the health professionals on various issues affecting them. He said the Governor may have good intensions for the workers, but should not give in to sabotage by aides or appointees that seem not to have reported appropriately well to him.
He noted that several efforts through letters to draw the attention of the Governor to their plight had proved abortive. He explained that they had held meetings with the Deputy Governor and Head of Service without positive response.