Abia @ 29: NMA begs Ikpeazu to pay 16 months salary arrears of ABSUTH, HMB staff
* Hails gov for nominating doctors for covid-19 award
By Steve Oko
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Abia State chapter, has applead to Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to pay the 16 months salary arrears of the staff of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH, Aba, to alleviate the economic challenges of the affected workers.
NMA also pleaded with the Governor to extend similar gesture to the staff of the state’s Health Management Board who are being owed 14 months salary.
The newly-elected Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu who made the appeal Wednesday during a press briefing in Umuahia, noted the efforts of the governor towards improving the health care sector, and urged him not to neglect the welfare of health workers.
“These perennial remuneration challenges have caused an untold economic hardship to our members in these establishments”, he lamented.
Okwuonu who read from a prepared speech he jointly signed with the Secretary of the body, Dr. Robinson Ugwuanyi, also pleaded with the governor to pay covid-19 hazard allowance of doctors in the state involved in the fight against the pandemic, and to provide them with life assurance package.
He equally appealed to the State Government to ensure uninterrupted supply of Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, for the protection of health workers in the state against covid -19 infection.
” NMA is not oblivious of of the enormous economic pressures facing the government especially amidst the covid-19 pandemics, but we are of the conviction that His Excellency has got a heart large enough to accommodate these genuine yearnings of Abia doctors”, he appealed.
NMA commended Gov. Ikpeazu for nominating some doctors and frontline health workers for award over their heroic services in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
The nominees would be conferred with honorary awards during the 29 anniversary of the creation of Abia State slated for Thursday August, 29.
“The association perceives this uncommon directive of the governor as an honour and a recognition of the selfless service which characterised medical profession. We are indeed very grateful “.
NMA felicitated the nominees comprising Dr. Stanley Okerulu, Dr. Ijeoma Nduka, Dr. Azubuike Onyebuchi, and Dr. Franklyn Alozie.
” While appreciating the visible efforts of these men and women, we also appreciate the fact that all doctors are in front line and are encouraged to keep doing their best “, NMA said.
The NMA boss assured of the readiness of doctors in the state to collaborate with relevant government agencies that develop programmes and policies geared towards delivering standard, quality and non-compromising healthcare services to the people.
NMA which also felicitated Ikpeazu on his recovery from covid -19 pandemic, restated its commitment to foster effective and efficient healthcare delivery in the state.
The doctors also congratulated the Governor and the people of the state on the 29th anniversary of the state, wishing them a happy celebration.
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