Anambra least state In CONHESS Implementation – NANNM
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), says Anambra is the least state in the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in Nigeria.
Mrs Edith Onwuka, Anambra Chairman, NANNM, told newsmen in Awka on Wednesday, that the State government should emulate others that are implementing 100 per cent of CONHESS.
According to Onwuka, Ebonyi, Imo and Abia states are paying 100 per cent CONHESS; Enugu is paying 80 per cent while Anambra is paying 60 per cent.
She said that the 60 per cent was only on paper as the real calculation and actual pay were not up to 60 per cent.
The chairman also said that nurses in the state were being denied their pay such as rural posting allowance for nurses working in the areas.
She noted that teachers working in remote areas were being paid hardship allowance but nurses do not enjoy such legitimate benefits.
“If the 60 per cent CONHESS is being implemented properly, it will be somehow acceptable but it is just on paper.
“And if all the allowances approved by the National Income and Wages Commission are being paid alongside the 60 per cent CONHESS, our pay will be manageable.
“We are appealing to the state government to look into this issue and implement at least 90 per cent CONHESS so that our nurses will have a reason to remain here,” she said.
Onwuka urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to implement 100 per cent CONHESS to prevent nurses and other health workers from migrating to other states for greener pastures.
She commended the governor for the renovation of primary healthcare centres and general hospitals, cash palliatives for workers and the free antenatal and delivery services for pregnant women in the state.
She further said that the government should also match the renovations with human resource for health as there were health facilities with only a nurse.
The chairman said that the governor had shown that his administration was interested in the health of the citizens and should also accord nurses attention as integral part of health professionals in the state. (NAN)
