Nasarawa State commissioner for health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, yesterday said nine doctors officially exited the service of the state.
He made the disclosure after meeting with leaders of the various unions in the health sector in Lafia.
The commissioner said contrary to recent media reports that 59 doctors left the state for greener pasture abroad over poor remuneration, only nine of the them wrote to the government of their intention to resign at the end of March 2024.
He stated that the issue concerning the resignation of medical doctors was grossly exaggerated.
Dr Gwamna said plans were on to implement the improved hazard allowance for medical doctors and other healthcare workers in the state.
READ ALSO: 9 Medical Doctors Resign From In Nasarawa Service
“There is no time in the history of Nasarawa State that 59 medical doctors left our hospital facilities at once.
“What I know is that nine doctors have given notice that they would be leaving at the end of this month. Some will be going to the Jos University Teaching Hospital in Plateau State, while others will be going to the Federal Medical Centre Keffi.
“We are aware that there are issues about hazard allowances and promotion arrears. But I would like to assure the general public that efforts are underway to address these issues.
“We are also working hard to improve our healthcare services. Our expectation is that by the time we leave office in 2027, public hospitals in Nasarawa State will be significantly enhanced,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the state government had directed that the financial implications of the understanding promotions, hazard allowance, CONMESS and CONHESS be computed with a view of implementing them.
He appealed to unions in the health sector to show more understanding to the government as it would do everything possible to ensure better welfare for all civil servants.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) says it has already given a 14-day ultimatum to the state government over welfare issues affecting its members.
Chairman of the association, Mr. Attah Ayaka-Avre, told journalists that the ultimatum would expire on April 2.
