Health Workers Laments Exclusion of Retirees from NHIA Scheme

Health Workers Laments Exclusion of Retirees from NHIA Scheme

The Senior Staff Association Of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes And Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), has lamented the exclusion of retirees from the National Health Insurance (NHIA) Scheme.

The SSAUTHRIAI), in a communiqué released at the end of its Two-Day Meeting of Teaching/Specialist Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres held at the National Orthopeadic Hospital, Enugu, expressed concern on the plight of retired workers in accessing health insurance scheme after leaving the service.

The communique signed by Comrade Kabir Mustapha, Acting Sector Chairman, Comrade Joseph C Ugwoke, the secretary urged the National Health Insurance Authority to begin the process of extending the benefits of the scheme to retirees in line with the country’s journey to universal health insurance.

The Council- in session also discussed issues bothering on welfare and condition of service of its members, the state of the nation among others.

On the adjustment of consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS), the group urged Federal Government to implement the 30th September 2017 agreement on adjustment of CONHESS Salary Structure.

While appreciating appreciates the Federal Government for approval and circularization of the new hazard allowance for health workers, the Council notes with dismay the non-payment of the new hazard allowance and therefore requests the Federal Government to expedite actions on the implementation.

Similarly on the non- payment of promotion arrears, Council observed with displeasure that some institutions still owe their staff promotion arrears from year 2017 till date. The Council therefore, call on the Federal Government to make funds available to IPPIS to clear the backlog of arrears without further delay.

Other issues deliberated upon included the covid- 19 special inducement allowance, university teaching hospital (reconstitution of boards etc) act (amendment) bill, commercialization of hospital services and the state of the nation.

By PRNigeria