On Friday, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, announced that nine doctors have officially resigned from their positions in the state,leadership reports.
The Commissioner revealed this information following a meeting with leaders of various unions in the health sector in Lafia, the state capital.
Dr. Gwamna clarified that contrary to recent media reports suggesting that 59 doctors left the state due to poor remuneration, only nine of them had submitted their resignations to the government, effective at the end of March 2024.
He emphasized that the issue of medical doctors resigning was exaggerated, though plans are underway to enhance hazard allowances for medical professionals and other healthcare workers in the state.
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Dr. Gwamna stated, “There has never been a time in the history of Nasarawa State when 59 medical doctors left our hospitals simultaneously. What we have confirmed is that nine doctors have given notice of their departure by the end of this month. Some will be joining the Jos University Teaching Hospital in Plateau State, while others will be transferring to the Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State.”
He assured the public that efforts are being made to address concerns regarding hazard allowances and promotion arrears, with the aim of significantly improving healthcare services in the state by 2027.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government has directed the computation of the financial implications of outstanding promotions, hazard allowances, CONMESS, and CONHESS, with plans to implement them in the coming months.
He appealed to health sector unions to cooperate with the government, promising better welfare for all civil servants.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government over welfare issues affecting its members. Chairman Attah Ayaka-Avre stated that if their demands were not met by April 2, further actions would be considered.
Dr. Mohammed Salihu-Ozegya, Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultant Association at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) branch, confirmed that some doctors had indeed submitted resignation notices due to the disparity in remuneration between state and federal government positions. He urged the state government to swiftly implement reviewed allowances and salary structures to prevent further exodus of medical practitioners from the state.
