The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has issued a compelling call to action for all state governments and the Federal Capital Territory to swiftly enact the proposed 25% upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and hazard allowance.
In a decisive move aimed at retaining skilled healthcare professionals within the country, NANNM emphasizes the critical need for states to expedite the implementation of revised call duty allowances and the CONHESS review. This urgent appeal was articulated in a communique released following the association’s two-day National Executive Council quarterly meeting held in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the CONHESS review in July 2023 marked a significant step towards addressing the ongoing brain drain crisis and fostering industrial harmony within the healthcare sector. CONHESS serves as a vital salary framework encompassing various health workers, including nurses, pharmacists, and medical laboratory personnel, in the Federal Public Service.
Nigeria has grappled with the alarming trend of healthcare professionals migrating to developed nations, exacerbating domestic healthcare challenges. NANNM’s communiqué highlights concerns over the non-implementation of enhanced salary structures and underscores the pressing need for governmental intervention to avert potential industrial disruptions.
Related NewsNurses Challenge New Certificate Verification Guidelines in Court
Lagos Nurses Stage Street Protest Over NMCN’s Certificate Verification Rules
Furthermore, NANNM commends the federal government’s initiative to engage health fellows in primary health centers across the nation’s 774 local government areas and advocates for the inclusion of nurses and midwives in this program.
The association also urges states and local governments to promptly execute 100% CONHESS implementation and addresses the critical shortage of specialized nurses in healthcare facilities nationwide. Through enhanced training initiatives, such as the recent Automated Management System training attended by over 300 key members, NANNM aims to streamline membership processes and facilitate comprehensive data collection on nurses and midwives across the country.
NANNM President Michael Nnachi underscores the importance of this training in bolstering the association’s IT infrastructure and ensuring accurate numerical representation of nurses within healthcare facilities. This concerted effort not only strengthens NANNM’s organizational capabilities but also provides invaluable insights for government planning and policy formulation in the healthcare sector.
