Federal Government has disclosed that it has paid the total amount of N159,233,234 for a group life insurance to 46 members of the National Association of Resident Doctors in 52 health facilities across the country.
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire disclosed this while briefing journalists on the issues surrounding the demands of doctors which has led to an indefinite strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors said Federal Government has paid a total sum of Nine Billion Three Hundred Million Naira (N9.3 B) to Insurance Companies for Life Group Insurance and payment of death benefits for Health Workers.
Ehanire added that the Federal Ministry of Health is in receipt of 131 cheques totalling N159,233,234.00 from various insurance companies for 46 NARD members from 52 health facilities for group life insurance.
Ehanire stated that currently, additional 95 cheques are being processed from various insurance companies and It is noteworthy that insurance claim is dependent on due diligence.
“Submissions from the hospitals where some deceased Resident Doctors worked did not have complete documents (such as the last payslip for claim payment etc).”
“This was communicated to NARD Representatives at the meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on 22, July 2021, as NARD was advised to follow up their submissions from the Hospitals where the deceased members worked.”
Ehanire further stressed that It is just as urgent to correct attempts at misinformation and disinformation of the Public concerning the strike action embarked upon by members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on 2, August 2021.
Ehanire reiterated the government’s efforts to deliver its mandate as he said the Federal Government has always proactively engaged NARD to seek solutions to their complaints
Ehanire stated that of the twelve (12) resolutions of NARD’s National Executive meeting of 25, June 2021, that were submitted to us, only five (5) issues are related to the Federal Government while Resolutions 6-12 are actually employers/employee issues to be resolved at individual State government level, at which the Federal Ministry of Health has no jurisdiction, and as such do not merit nationwide industrial action.
“These are: Salary arrears owed Resident Doctors in State hospitals, Domestication of Medical Residency Training Act(MRTA) by state governments, Speedy release of MRTA approved funds by States, Minimum Wage- Adjusted CONMESS 2019, Payment of COVID-19 inducement allowance by States, Accreditation of unaccredited departments in States Training Institutions, Central Posting of House Officers in States institutions.”
“Health is an item on the Residual legislative list of the Nigerian constitution, which means that Federal and State government each have separate powers, over which NARD has been advised to meet with the respective State
Governments, who are independent employers of some NARD members at State hospitals, in their own right, to resolve matters of specific concern between them.”
On Provisional Suspension of Bench Fees, Ehanire said Federal Government has already suspended payment of Bench fees and this has been communicated to the Chief Executives of all Federal Tertiary Health Institutions vide Circular DHS/828/T.2/26 dated 14, April 2021.
“The abolition of Bench fees makes training of Resident Doctors free, receiving full salaries and allowances while undergoing specialist training bond free.”
“There is nowhere in the world where such gesture is obtainable. An isolated case of demand for payment of Bench fees was reported in Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
“The CMD has been advised accordingly and any fees paid after the issuance of the Circular provisionally abolishing Bench fee is to be refunded.”
On Consequential Minimum Wage Adjustment Arrears, the Minister said a Circular was issued to CMDs/MDs to make submissions on arrears of consequential wage adjustment of National Minimum Wage.
“As of 30, July 2021, a total of Thirty-eight (38) hospitals have made a submission with a cost implication of 1,696,088,700.31. The consequential adjustment of Minimum wage arrears affects all hospitals workers and not only Resident Doctors.
“Furthermore, Government is working to ensure that the salary shortfall of 2014, 2015 and 2016 is paid as soon as it is cleared.
Ehanire also said the removal of House officers Cadre from an established post in Civil service is a decision of the National Council on Establishment. National Council on Establishment is a body that regulates and provides guidance on Federal and State Government establishment matters.
“The entry point doctors in civil service MO or Registrar. We recognize that House Officers and Youth Corps Doctors are pre full registration and pre-service conditions respectively.
“We note that newly qualified Doctors can only enter the scheme of service with full registration and satisfy pre-service conditions.”
“Government is working out payment of all health workers to balance of COVID -19 allowance and seek understanding of all health workers concerned in this regard.
Ehanire appeal to resident to embrace dialogue as it is always the best approach to conflict resolution and the Federal Government has always been prompt in attending to labour issues in the health sector whenever it occurs.
“It is on record that the reason(s) for industrial actions declared by NARD has been discussed extensively with NARD and implementation of the Resolutions adopted by both the NARD and Government Agencies are involved led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“We appeal to NARD not allow their Association to be used by enemies of the Country to cause instability in the health sector.
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