By Stanley Onyekwere
Health Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration(FCTA) are enjoined to collectively channel their grievances through their associations, to help in finding lasting solutions to issues rather than embarking on protest.
Making this point, the Permanent Secretary FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Baba Gana Adam noted that presenting grievances through a united front is the main function of the unions, as it presents a uniform voice, which the workers make their cases to the management.
According to a news material from Badaru Yakasai, of the information unit of the Secretariat, the Permanent Secretary made this call in his office when he engaged some medical workers, seeking to clear the air on issues surrounding their outstanding salary arrears.
Dr. Adam, who spoke behalf of the Mandate Secretary HSES, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe however disclosed that the FCT Administration had last year approved the employment of 293 health workers that were posted to different hospitals, who are presently on the Administration’s payroll with 6 months salary arrears that has already been captured by the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPIS) for payment.
The Permanent Secretary, reiterated the zeal with which the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike is fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration by graciously approving the recruitment of 352 health workers and 60 external Resident Doctors to compliment the effort of the already existing FCT Health workforce.
“The Hon. Minister FCT has also placed the completion of Utako General Hospital, Gwarimpa General Hospital, and Gwagwalada cottage hospital as his priority projects in the health sector for the year 2024.
“The FCT Administration has settled the payment of arrears upward review of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for the period of 5 months and settled the Accoutrement Allowance for 5 months and the skipping arrears shortfall for members employed”, he stated.
Also speaking, the Acting Director General FCT Hospital Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello noted that the Secretariat is doing all its best to ensure the payment of the 6 months arrears.
He added that presently all the concerned staff are currently receiving their monthly salary.
He however requested the Permanent Secretary to use his good office to organize induction training for the newly recruited medical workers to serve as a guide on the rules and regulations governing the administration.
Responding on behalf of the health workers, Dr. Dan-Ebri Janet, promised to go through their associations to help in finding lasting solutions to issues rather than embarking on protest.
