TheCable

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), has called on the Anambra state government to implement at least 90 percent of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Edith Onwuka, NANNM Anambra chairman, said Ebonyi, Imo and Abia states pay 100 percent CONHESS, Enugu pays 80 percent while Anambra pays 60 percent.

She said the 60 percent was only on paper as the real calculation and actual pay were not up to 60 percent.

The chairman also said nurses in the state were being denied rural posting allowance for working in remote areas.

She added that teachers working in remote areas were being paid hardship allowance but nurses do not enjoy such legitimate benefits.

Onwuka urged Chukwuma Soludo, the state governor, to increase implementation of CONHESS to prevent nurses and other health workers from migrating to other states.

“If the 60 percent CONHESS is being implemented properly, it will be somehow acceptable but it is just on paper,” NAN quoted her as saying.

“And if all the allowances approved by the National Income and Wages Commission (NIWC) are being paid alongside the 60 percent CONHESS, our pay will be manageable.

“We are appealing to the state government to look into this issue and implement at least 90 percent CONHESS so that our nurses will have a reason to remain here.”

The chairman commended the governor for the renovation of primary healthcare centres and general hospitals, cash palliatives for workers and the free antenatal and delivery services for pregnant women in the state.

She said the government should also match the renovations with human resource for health as there were facilities with only one nurse.