BY OBUTE JAMES
The House of Representatives has urged for the replacement of health workers who have migrated to other Countries in the wake of COVID–19 Pandemic.
The House’s resolution follwed a motion “Need for the Replacement of Health Workers who have Migrated to other Countries in the Wake of the COVID–19 Pandemic by Hon. Uju Chima Kingsley (APC Imo)
Presenting the motion on Thursday 9th December, 2021 Kingsley said: “Notes the massive exodus of indigenous health workers to other countries in search of greener pastures, especially since the coronavirus pandemic.
“Also notes that the mass departure and widespread apathy of health workers are mostly predicated on the sub–par remuneration structure offered them despite being exposed to great risks.
“Concerned that the number of COVID–19 cases may become too overwhelming for the current number of medical personnel, thus exposing the country to even greater risk of the spread of the virus.
“Cognizant that a radical approach needs to be taken to fill the gap in the health sector, through massive recruitment and replacement of health workers as well as an upgrade in the remuneration of workers in the health sector.
“Also cognizant that an effective stakeholders’ engagement of the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies would serve as a catalyst to effecting the reforms.”
Sequel to the motion, the House resolved to urge the Federal Ministry of Finance, Head of Service, Director–General Budget and the Ministry of Health to urgently grant financial cover, as well as a waiver on incidental costs of replacement of resigned and retrenched health workers to the Federal Medical Colleges, Federal Hospitals as well as Teaching Hospitals and Coentres.”
The House mandated the Committee on Healthcare Services to engage in a periodic and systematic review of the execution of the much–needed reforms.