PRESS RELEASE
NONPAYMENT OF HAZARD ALLOWANCES ARREARS TO HEALTH INTERNS NATIONWIDE
It could be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria started implementing the new hazard allowances which took effect from 1st December, 2021. Permanent staffs of all cadres of health professions were paid arrears of Nine months so also House officers (Medical Interns), and NYSC doctors. Unfortunately, Interns and NYSC staff of all other professions are left out of the payment.
It is worthy to note that the Interns and NYSC staffs are officially entitled to the Hazard Allowances. They are exposed to the same hazards in the hospitals as much as the aforementioned staffs, if not even more. They also bear the highest brunt of the works in those institutions while the senior staffs supervise them.
Unfortunately, they are yet to be paid their dues. Engagements with the Management of their institutions did not yield desired results and they have nobody championing their cause. That is why Intern Leaders across the Country came together to form a Coalition that will comprise of all Interns in the Country to push for their demands. The Coalition includes all interns from Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Dental Therapy, Dental Technology and Nutrition & Dietetics.
Accordingly, the Coalition demands immediate and full payment of their entitlements. We call on the responsible bodies, leadership of our professional bodies, social justice organizations and the general public to intervene into the matter so that our dues will be settled in time. The Coalition will decide on the next line of action if it is not payed one week from now. All this is to improve the welfare of our members so that they can serve the general public better to achieve a productive society
Thank you.
National Coordinator
Johana Johaida James
National Secretary
Usman Bello Zogirma
Cc:
Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH)
Federal Ministry of Finance (FMOF)
Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF)
Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)/Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN)
Association of Medical Laboratory Science of Nigeria (AMLSN)/ Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)
National Association of Nigerian Nurses & Midwives (NANNM)/Nursing Council of Nigeria (NCN*)
*Radiography/Their Council or Board
*Physiotherapy/Their Council or Board
*Optometry /Their Council or Board
*Dental Therapy/Their Council or Board
*Dental Technology/Their Council or Board
*Nutrition & Dietetics/Their Council or Board
National Labour Congress (NLC)
Civil Society Organizations