The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State chapter, has commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his approval and subsequent commencement of payment of new hazard allowance to medical doctors in the State.
The doctors appealed to Governor Bello to do more.
NMA in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Olusola Baoku and Secretary, Dr Bola Jonah Kelvin respectively on Wednesday, applauded Governor Bello for giving priority to the health sector in Kogi State, stressing that under his leadership brain drain of medical doctors has reduced drastically.
The statement reads in parts “The Nigerian Medical Association, Kogi State, wish to express her sincere and profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for his approval and subsequent commencement of payment of New Hazard Allowance to doctors in the employ of the State.
“We recall that His Excellency had promised to prioritize the welfare of Kogi Doctors, make sure the widows of late doctors do not suffer and reverse the current brain drain through improvement of renumeration and working conditions in the State during our courtesy visit in August 2023,
“However, while we salute the efforts of the Governor, we want to appeal to His Excellency to help give consideration to increasing the Hazard allowance to 100%, in addition to a number of lingering issues bordering on remuneration of our members and their welfares.
“Of note are the fate of backlogs of promotion arrears due to lack of cash-backing for years, rural allowance for our members working in the rural areas which we believe will serve as added incentive to preventing urban migration, and the death benefits of all our late colleagues.
“Without doubt, the NMA Kogi recognize that health sector as a whole has been one of the greatest beneficiary of your Government. It is our resolve that your goodwill in addressing these issues will further cement your unparalleled legacy that will be difficult to match. We look forward to your favourable consideration as we send you the assurance of our esteem regards”.
