BY STELLA KABRUK
Kaduna
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives has extended their ultimatum by 15 days urging Federal Government to address their demands.
Morakinyo Olajide- Rilwan, the National Chairman, Federal Health Institutions Sector Nurses and Midwives disclosed this on Sunday in Kaduna during interviews with journalists.
According to Olajide-Rilwan, following the engagement with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) by the National Leadership of the Association on Friday, 13th September 2024, where concessions were made and commitments received towards addressing their demands, the association has resolved to extend the ultimatum by 15 days to the FMOH to complete the necessary bureaucratic processes.
“An Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) convened on the 14th September 2024, to review the outcome of the meeting between the National leadership and the FMOH. After careful deliberation, the NEC has resolved to grant the FMOH a 15 days period to fulfill its commitments.
“At the end of this period, the situation will be reassessed to determine the Association’s next steps. Meanwhile, the Association appreciate the immediate opening of the verification portal which is one of the 11 demands with urgent attention.
He however said the association demands include; Creation of Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health,
Upward review of peculiar professional allowances for Nurses and Midwives and Inclusion of Nurses in the Health Policy-making body.
Others include, Gazetting of Nurses’ Schemes of service as approved by the NCE in 2016, Minna, Niger state ,Implementation of the National Industrial Court (NIC) judgment of 27th January, 2012(Suit No, NIC/ABJ 16/2020), Payment of owed salaries to the staff of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN) since January 2024 till date.
He added that the association demands also include; Opening of Verification portal for Nurses and Midwives without any further delay, Employment of Nursing Personnel and adequate provision of health facility equipment.
“We also need a fair representation by the Association in the Board membership of Tertiary Health Institutions,Centralization of internship posting for graduate Nurses and Consultancy for Nurses .
“In addition, the wrong impression that government is giving to the generality of Nigerians that there are shortage of Nurses in Nigeria is false .
“This is evidenced by the presence of several nurses that are unemployed in the circulation while many are languishing in private hospitals , taking peanuts as salary because Federal government refused to employ them to replace those that travelled out of the country”.
“ln the meantime, we urge all members to remain vigilant as we await the actions of the FMOH”.
