Ondo Govt Meets Demands Of Doctors, Releases Circular On Hazard Allowance, To Be Paid From October

By Ayodele Oni

Twenty four hours after the Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA) Ondo State Chapter threatened to down tools over the failure of the State Government to pay allowances of its members, the State Government has released the circular to effect the payment of 100 percent Hazard Allowance to the Medical Doctors in Government payroll.

The payment of the allowance will take effect from 2nd October, 2023, without arrears.

NMA Chairman in the State, Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe had complained to Journalists on Monday that the allowance, approved since August, was yet to be paid.

The NMA Chairman called on Ondo State Government to commence immediate implementation of health workers’ hazard allowance to avert looming  strike by medical doctors working in the State Government’s hospitals.

Adeyemi-Osowe pointed out that members working under the State Government have been patient enough over the failure of the Government to implement a 100 percent Hazard Allowance for them.

He declared that the Association may not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector, if the state government failed to release a circular for the implementation of the health hazard by Tuesday.

Dr Adeyemi said the Hazard Allowance, which had been approved since August this year, is being paid by the Federal Government and some other state Governments.

With the release of the circular on Tuesday, Adeyemi-Osowe thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promise and pray for his quick recuperation. He said this will in no small measure make work interesting for the doctors.

According to him, the State Government has again demonstrated that it is committed to the welfare of health personnel in the state.

He also enjoined the Governor to as a matter of urgency direct the speed up of the recruitment process of health workers as promised .

He added that the entry point of doctors as approved by the Federal Government will help in attracting young and active doctors into Ondo state health system.