The Nasarawa State Government has denied media reports about a large number of medical doctors leaving the state.
During a press briefing in Lafia on Friday, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, clarified that only nine medical doctors from the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, resigned, not 59 as reported.
Gwamna described the situation as a temporary setback for the state-owned health facilities and assured that the government was working diligently to meet the demands of health workers to prevent similar situations in the future.
The commissioner emphasized that the current issue is being exaggerated and stated that there has never been a moment in Nasarawa State's history when 59 medical doctors left the hospital facilities all at once.
He acknowledged that nine doctors have given notice to leave at the end of the month, with some moving to Jos University Teaching Hospital in Plateau State and others to the Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Gwamna also acknowledged issues regarding hazard allowances and promotion arrears, but assured the public that efforts are underway to address these concerns.
He added, “We are also striving to enhance our healthcare services. Our goal is that by 2027, public hospitals in Nasarawa State will see significant improvement.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has warned of a potential strike if the state government does not meet its demands within two weeks.
In a letter signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the association, Attah Avre and Alaku Ayuba, respectively, NANNM gave the state governor, Abdullahi Sule, a 14-day ultimatum to prevent the collapse of the state's health sector.
The association's demands and challenges include the implementation of revised CONHESS, hazard allowances, and payment of 2021 and 2022 uniform allowances.
Other demands are the implementation of pending promotions, completion of the School of Nursing, Lafia's collegiate system with full NBTE accreditation, and acute staff shortages.
“We are also urging the governor to hire more nurses and midwives, as well as clinical attendants, and equip hospitals with modern equipment to provide high-quality healthcare services,
“We hope that the state government will engage in negotiations soon and offer solutions to address these concerns that have been troubling our members,” the statement added.
