The Rotational Nurses and Midwives Association (RNMA) has issued a terse ultimatum to the government to pay members their 11 months of unpaid allowances.
According to the Association, the government’s insensitivity is costing members their lives.
It cited the death of a rotational nurse at the Church of God hospital on Friday 12th May, 2023 as a classic example.
The deceased committed suicide.
The young nurse had reportedly been complaining about his unpaid allowances and the difficulties he was going through.
A statement issued by the RNMA called on the government to respond to the plight of its members and ensure payments are effected immediately.
“If not the government will hear from us. We cannot wait for more deaths in the name of unpaid allowance.”
“This treatment of the members of the RNMA is unfair and unjust,” the statement said.
The Association warned the government, the National Service Secretariat (NSS) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (N&MC) not to post any year group (rotational) for mandatory national service without financial clearance.
“Should this happen in this country again, the outcome will not be favourable since the government and its ministries have forgotten the welfare of the ordinary people they serve.”
The rotational nurses argued its contribution to healthcare delivery in the country has been unparallel.
It disclosed that research by the GRNMA on rotational nurses and midwives indicates they contributed about 70% to total health delivery in the country.
“But the sad news is that despite a series of engagements with all stakeholders on the welfare of members, not even common financial clearance has been granted not to talk of payment.”
“Members have been exposed to serious economic hardship; unable to feed and transport themselves to work, wash their clothing and pay light bills and more.”
“We hope the government and stakeholders would respond to our demands, to at least put some smiles on the faces of the interns,” the statement said.
Source: mypublisher24