Ayuba Wabba, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime to immediately begin the payment of hazard allowance to health workers in the country.

Mr Wabba made the call at the 2022 annual FCT Nurses Week/Scientific Workshop of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) on Thursday in Abuja.

“Many health workers have fallen victim to diseases in taking care of patients. I salute the nurses and Midwives. Your reward is not only in heaven but here on earth. I urge you to learn so you can discharge quality healthcare service to Nigerians,” stated the NLC leader. “The payment of hazard allowance will boost the morale of our health workers in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the invaluable role of nurses.”

He commended FCT minister Mohammed Bello for prompt payment of healthcare workers and called for improved wages for nurses, saying, “a hungry worker cannot provide quality health services.”

Mr Bello commended the roles nurses play in the healthcare system. He said nurses and other health workers have continued to be at the front line in fighting malaria, chicken pox and other health issues, adding that FCT would continue to support the welfare of our healthcare providers.

Yusuf Sununu, the chairman of the House Committee on Health Services, called for a stronger relationship in the health sector among doctors and nurses, describing it as very important in achieving global health.

He expressed shock that over 1,700 nurses had left the country for what he described as greener pastures while commending those who decided to stay back and support the country’s health system. Mr Sununu urged nurses to respect patients and also called on patients to reciprocate the gesture, adding that some patients frown at the behaviour they experience in the hospital, “and they said they will rather die at home than the hospital.”

(NAN)