The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals has urged the Federal Government to put into effect the recommendations of the technical committee’s report on adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
This is necessary to prevent the resumption of the recently halted industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions.
During the eighth quadrennial national delegates’ conference in Abuja, themed “Alarming Brain Drain in Nigeria’s Health Sector: Need for Emergency Rescue,” the NUAHP emphasized that any modifications to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure should always be aligned with the collective bargaining agreement that established both salary structures in the health sector in 2009.
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To address the issue of brain drain in the health sector, the government needs to allocate sufficient funds, enhance working conditions and welfare for healthcare workers, and create a favorable work environment, among other measures, as stated in the communique signed by NUAHP President Kamal Ibrahim and General Secretary Martin Egbanubi.
The association further insists on the immediate implementation of circulars regarding the pharmacist consultant cadre, unhindered career progression for members and other health workers, cessation of discriminatory practices against health professionals in the union and other health workers, and the end of exclusive physician appointments as Ministers of Health.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) has advocated for a change in the appointment process of Chief Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer positions. They propose that these roles should not be limited to medical doctors alone but should be open to other health professionals as well, allowing for fair competition.
The NUAHP also suggests that the representation of other healthcare professionals on the board should be increased.
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Currently, only one out of the 14 board members represents these professionals, despite them constituting 95 percent of the total healthcare workforce. The union recommends that this number be raised to eight.
Regarding the position of Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, the NUAHP proposes a shift in the appointment process. Instead of appointing individuals from the University, they suggest that substantive Directors/Deputy Directors in teaching hospitals should be selected based on the public service rule.
In addition, the NUAHP calls for the implementation of a new hazard allowance for all health workers in State Health Institutions by the 36 State governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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They emphasize the need to promptly pay outstanding salaries owed to health workers in Abia, Imo, and Rivers State to avoid the declaration of trade disputes in those regions. Lastly, the union urges an immediate recruitment of health professionals to address the human resource gaps caused by the brain drain in the healthcare sector.
