Yobe Community Nurses, Midwives Appeal To Governor Buni Over Low Salaries, Unpaid Hazard Allowance | Sahara Reporters
The healthcare workers made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the governor, expressing concern over their low monthly salaries, delayed or incomplete implementation of approved salary structures and the non-payment of hazard allowance.
Community nurses and midwives working in Primary Healthcare facilities across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State have appealed to Governor Mai Mala Buni to address what they described as worsening welfare challenges affecting healthcare workers.
The healthcare workers made the appeal in an open letter addressed to the governor, expressing concern over their low monthly salaries, delayed or incomplete implementation of approved salary structures and the non-payment of hazard allowance.
They acknowledged the state government’s efforts to strengthen Primary Healthcare through the employment of Community Nurses and Midwives, saying the intervention had helped improve healthcare delivery, reduce maternal and infant mortality and expand access to healthcare services in rural communities.
According to them, the achievements contributed to Buni’s recognition as a National Primary Healthcare Champion.
However, the workers said their current salaries were no longer sufficient to cope with rising living costs, adding that many were struggling to meet their basic needs.
“Many workers are struggling to meet basic needs, affecting morale and overall wellbeing,” they said.
They also expressed concern over what they described as the delayed or incomplete implementation of approved salary structures and welfare packages for healthcare personnel.
The workers further called for the immediate payment of hazard allowance, noting that Community Nurses and Midwives working at the frontline of healthcare delivery are exposed to occupational risks and infectious diseases.
“As frontline healthcare providers exposed to occupational risks and infectious diseases, adequate compensation for hazards is essential but currently lacking,” they said.
The healthcare workers appealed to the governor to review and improve their monthly salaries, fully implement approved salary and welfare structures, and pay their outstanding hazard allowances.
They reaffirmed their commitment to serving residents of Yobe State and urged the governor to give urgent attention to their concerns.
“We remain committed to serving the people of Yobe State with dedication and professionalism and trust that Your Excellency will give urgent attention to these concerns,” the workers said.