Nigeria Should Review The Salary Of Its Health Workers – NAS

The National Association of Seadogs, NAS has urged the federal government to review the salary and welfare packages of Healthcare practitioners in Nigeria to bring it at par with international best practices standards.

In a recent statement signed by the NAS Steerer, Dr Avuwa Joseph Oteri, he said amid the coronavirus crises, it is now important for governments to take the plight of other frontline health workers seriously.

According to him, Nigeria is battling a shortage of nurses and midwives right now, making it compulsory for the government to review the remuneration and welfare of healthcare practitioners in Nigeria.

He added that even the current stay-at-home order is a step in the right direction, aggressive testing must also happen to know the real number of those who infected and how to curb the spread in the nation.

His words, “As the world acknowledges the input of nurses and midwives today, it is pertinent to draw the attention of governments to their plight and that of other frontline health workers.

“Apart from their limited numbers, they are exposed to sundry socioeconomic challenges, which include but are not limited to health hazards, emotional insecurity, family crises, mental health challenges, poor remunerations, inadequate insurance cover, amongst others.”

”Today, 7th April 2020, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity joins the rest of the world in celebrating the annual World Health Day.

“Nigeria is at the moment facing a shortage of nurses and midwives and with a projected 333,494 registered nurses by 2030;this number is inadequate for the nation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

”Similarly, we urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to review theremuneration and welfare of healthcare practitioners in Nigeria and bring it at par with international best practices standards.”

”The stay-at-home order is a step in the right direction but aggressive testing should be a complimentary activity to help pinpoint the exact nature of contagion and plan appropriate and adequate responses.

”The total lockdown order has adversely impacted economic activities, hence, livelihoods. Adequate palliative measures need to be emplaced to alleviate the harsh economic consequences of the lockdown. We commend state governments already doing this and enjoin the rest to do same.

“While we urge everyone to obey government’s stay-at-home order, we advocate strict adherence to the personal hygiene regimen prescribed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).”