NMA, NAGGMDP appeal to Ondo government to implement 100% hazard allowance
The Nigerian Medical Association, Ondo State Chapter Executive Committee, NMA-SEC, and the National Association of General Government Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), have appealed to the government to implement 100 per cent Hazard Allowance for their members promptly.
According to the medical associations, the move will enormously address the alarming rate of brain drain in the health sector and the increasing number of medical professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
READ ALSO: Brain drain: Nigeria needs capacity improvement in training doctors
While meeting with Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the leadership of both associations, led by Dr. Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, the State Chairman of the NMA, expressed concerns that the situation, if not urgently addressed, will have negative impacts on the health sector in the state.
They maintained that the move would mitigate the phenomenon commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome” where Nigerian medical professionals seek employment opportunities in other countries.
The NMA and NAGGMDP emphasised that while the government had previously agreed to pay the hazard allowance along with the clearance of outstanding arrears, the implementation process has yet to be initiated.
The medical associations urged the state government to prioritise the prompt payment of the hazard allowance, as this would serve as a significant incentive for healthcare professionals to remain committed to serving the populace within the country.
On his part, Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbohun-Sado, the state publicity secretary of NAGGMDP, said the medical doctors’ delegation lamented and demanded steps to address the brain drain in the health sector in Ondo State.
“The first demand on the list was the prompt implementation of a 100% Hazard Allowance, which the government had already agreed to, along with the payment of arrears as previously requested, which to date had not been paid.”
