Ogun State Governor, Prince
Dapo Abiodun has declared that his administration has put in place life
insurance policy for the State health workers, just has their hazard allowance
has been reviewed from 200 to 300 per cent.
The Governor who disclosed this when he met with
representatives of health workers in the State at his Office in Oke-Mosan,
Abeokuta, said the life policy would have taken off immediately but would wait
to go along with the federal government, which is also putting in place similar
programme.
“I want to inform you that we have put in place life policy
for our health workers. We would have started immediately, but we will wait to
go along with the federal government which is also planning similar programme”,
he said.
The Governor who noted that his administration was determined
to provide adequate health care services to the people, also informed that
health worker would be appropriately accommodated in the new minimum wage.
Abiodun said he was impressed with the spirit of negotiation,
adding that their requests and resolutions with government was a pointer that
they were concern with what was going on in the health sector.
“What transpired was because we have not been engaging each
other as much as possible. I am impressed with the spirit of negotiation. Your
requests and resolutions point to the fact that our health workers are
concerned with what is happening in the health sector”, the Governor noted..
While enumerating efforts of his administration to reform the
sector, he said prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, rehabilitation of
hospitals had commenced with 236 Primary Health Care Centres across the State.
He appealed to the health officers not to allow issues
degenerate, but keep communication open with government.
“This pandemic is a surprise to everybody. This happened just
as we were beginning to roll out plans for total reform of our health
facilities beginning with 236 Primary Health Care Centres. However, I want to
assure you that this government is determined to ensure provision of adequate
health care for our people”, the Governor promised.
The governor appreciated the health personnel, particularly
those tackling the Coronavirus, assuring them that Personal Protective
Equipment and other accessories needed to perform their duties effectively,
would be made available.
In her remark, the Commissioner for health, Dr. Tomi Coker,
described the State health workers as people with passion who are ready to give
their all in the sector.
She lauded the governor’s efforts at revamping the sector,
saying things are looking up for good.
Speaking, representative of the health workers, Dr. Femi
Odubote, lauded the State govenment for addressing their concerns, as all
contending issues were adequately trashed out, adding that they would continue
to do their best in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and other health challenges
in the State.