The Kwara State Government has approved an improved salary structure and professional allowances for nurses and allied health workers as part of efforts to enhance staff welfare and strengthen healthcare delivery.
The approval covers the implementation of the corrected Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and an improved Professional Allowance Table for eligible healthcare workers in the state.
It also provides for the advancement of medical laboratory scientists currently on Grade Level 09 to Grade Level 10, effective from the dates of their respective appointments, to preserve their seniority in the state civil service.
The decision was conveyed in a memo issued by the Office of the Head of Service following a review of the salaries and allowances of medical officers and allied health professionals employed by the state government, according to a statement signed by the Press Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Kwara State Government, Okanlawon Solomon.
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According to the memo, the review followed a directive by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the Office of the Head of Service to establish a committee to examine the remuneration and welfare of healthcare professionals in the state.
The committee subsequently submitted its report with recommendations aimed at improving workers’ welfare, retaining skilled professionals and enhancing the quality of healthcare services.
Among the recommendations approved was an improved entry point for qualified graduate nurses and medical laboratory scientists, in line with the relevant Federal Government circular.
The committee also recommended that the deployment and posting details of nurses and allied health workers be forwarded to the Office of the Head of Service to facilitate the payment of rural allowances to eligible personnel serving in rural communities.
In addition, it proposed an upward review of professional allowances for nurses and other allied health workers in accordance with the designated allowance scales.
Following consideration of the recommendations, the Office of the Head of Service forwarded its proposals to the governor, who approved the measures.
The Chairman of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission was subsequently directed to implement the advancement of eligible medical laboratory scientists from Grade Level 09 to Grade Level 10, while the Commissioner for Finance was directed to make the necessary arrangements for the implementation of the approved measures.
The state government said the approval reflected its commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare professionals, retaining skilled personnel and strengthening healthcare delivery across Kwara State.
