Nurses in Ondo State are advocating for a revision of their salary structure, aligning it with the recent adjustments made for other health professionals, particularly doctors. They warn that the existing disparity could lead to discord within the state’s healthcare system.
The demand was made by members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ondo State Chapter, during their 2024 Nurses Week/Scientific Conference in Akure.
The event, themed “Our Nurses, Our Future: The Economic Power of Care”, provided a platform for the nurses to express their concerns and push for prompt action from the state government.
At the event, NANNM State Chairman, Akintobi Orobode, criticized the exclusion of nurses from the recent salary review which raised doctors’ pay to match federal standards.
He explained that the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, which covers other health workers, including nurses, has been left unchanged, creating a gap in the remuneration of key healthcare professionals.
Orobode highlighted the integral role nurses play in patient care, noting their round-the-clock presence with patients.
He stressed that while both doctors and nurses contribute to patient outcomes, prioritizing one group over the other could undermine team collaboration and threaten the smooth operation of healthcare services.
The association revealed that they had formally submitted a letter to the state government, requesting an urgent review of the nurses’ salary structure, but were still awaiting a response.
Responding to the nurses’ concerns, the Special Adviser on Health Matters, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, reassured them that plans to review the salary structure for all healthcare workers were already in progress.
Odimayo emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the issue and ensuring that workers’ welfare remains a top priority.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Niran Ikuomola, encouraged continued dialogue between the nurses and the ministry.
He affirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare professionals’ welfare and called for teamwork among all health workers to ensure the well-being of Ondo State residents.
As the conversation around salary parity continues, nurses remain hopeful that the state government will act swiftly to bridge the gap and avert any potential crisis in the healthcare system.
