The Federal Government has approved additional N8.9 billion as COVID-19 hazard allowance for health workers in the country.
This was announced on Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, during the task force’s media briefing in Abuja.
It would be recalled that NARD had embarked on a total and an indefinite strike in all Federal and State hospitals in the country to press for its demands.
Boss Mustapha stated that he observed that the industrial action by resident doctors had elicited discourses across the federation in the last one week.
He said while appreciable progress had been made in resolving the impasse, the SGF underscored the “fact that we are in a global public health emergency situation that has impacted negatively on all aspects of our lives, including the economy and finances of government.”
Mustapha continued: “This has made it imperative for all citizens irrespective of their professions and particularly health workers to re-awaken their sense of humanity and patriotism”.
“The health and survival of our dear nation is important, and we should eschew any action that will diminish the gains made in the containment of the pandemic so far. Over the past one week, a lot of discussions in the public space have happened around the strike action by doctors and other unions in the health sector.”
“I am pleased to announce that Mr. President has graciously approved additional N8.9bn for COVID-19 hazard allowance to all medical health workers. In addition, the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for hospitals and isolation centres will be given priority” he added.
