The National Association of Nigerian Radiographers (ARN) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the recent decision of the Federal Government to exclude its members from the 40 per cent pay rise for federal workers.
The association expressed its displeasure in a statement issued by its national president; Dr Musa Y. Dambele, saying “the attention of Radiographers has been drawn to the commencement of 40 per cent peculiar allowance pay rise for workers in the Federal Government establishment with outright exclusion of its members.
“As you are well aware, Radiographers play a crucial role in the healthcare sector and are responsible for the safe and effective use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They work tirelessly to ensure that patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
“However, the exclusion is a misdeed and attempt to cause problems in the health sectors, he recalled that Radiographers and other health workers have been calling for salary adjustment since 2001, with several committees set up to this effect.”
Dambele said the committees are yet to see the light of day with their report.
He further noted that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, had earlier said before the payment that the pay rise was to justify the current economic reality of the country.
Dambele quoted Ngige as saying that, “the pay rise for Federal Government workers was to cushion the effects of inflation, rising cost of living, hike in transportation fare, housing and electricity tariff.”
Furthermore, Dambele stated that “We, therefore, implore the Federal Government to reconsider this decision and include Radiographers in the 40 per cent pay rise for federal government workers. We also request that steps be taken to address the brain drain affecting our profession in Nigeria.
“Doing so would not only show appreciation for the critical role they play in the healthcare sector but also help to boost their morale and encourage them to continue to provide their best services to the public.”
In addition, he said that the Federal Government had no justification to exclude some sections of civil servants, especially in the health sector from the pay rise since everyone, including the workers, patronises the same market and pays the same bills.
He stated: “Instead of motivating those health workers, who have agreed to stay in the country to salvage the health system by this pay rise, the best thing government could do was to exclude Radiographers.
“The fact is that our members are not pleased with the exclusion and we cannot keep on silence. Radiographers have suffered enough abandon and denial as front-line workers in the health sector, while consultation with relevant stakeholders is ongoing, especially our parent body.”
He said that ARN is happy that civil servant salaries were increased, but would resist such exclusion for its members if steps are not taken regarding Radiographer’s pay rise.
He further contended that ARN would resist any form of deprivation in the health sector, especially in the area of remuneration, training and policy making.
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