Yesterday, Governor Dapo Abiodun approved the payment of hazard compensation to healthcare professionals in Ogun State. He announced it while speaking with medical experts at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta.
The governor acknowledged the need to motivate the health professionals because they had endured a lot while performing their duties. His words: “I know that some of you go into depression and other forms of health hazards; so, I am going to approve your hazard allowance.
“I wanted to liaise with you on how to address the brain drain, which is affecting the health sector. I am sure, with your collaboration, we can find a solution to this problem.”
His administration had intervened in the sector through budgetary increases, facility renovations, even at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the state, and the conversion of nursing schools to colleges for better teaching and learning. He described the state as an incubator for the development of health professionals.
Abiodun said that the Mother/Child Hospital at Iperu-Remo had been opened and that a cutting-edge blood transfusion center will soon be constructed in the state; while promising to supply enough specialists to add to the staff strength of the medical facilities.
The governor offered a suggestion that the state was collaborating with the African Export Bank (AFRIXEMBANK) to finish and manage the 250-bed hospital at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta; while efforts are focused on outfitting other laboratories with laboratory equipment to enable scientists to carry out their duties honorably.
He was grateful to the medical professionals for their unselfish support of his government.
In her opening remarks, Commissioner for Health Dr. Tomi Coker thanked the state government for enhancing the health sector by funding PHCs, establishing a health insurance program, and modernizing medical facilities.
“The workers wanted to work together with the state government to enhance the sector,” she added. And they wanted to thank the governor for moving the sector forward in terms of equipment and the welfare of health professionals.
Speaking earlier, State Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Adekunle Ashimi, described the health workers as “special people,” who are daily exposed to danger because of the nature of their work; calling for payment of hazard allowance to them.
Even though the government has made significant investments in the industry, he said that more has to be done to elevate the level.
