Doctors in Kogi urge Gov. Bello to review salary, hazard allowance

In order to stop the brain drain, the Kogi chapter of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has once more urged the state government to urgently review the pay scale for doctors employed by the state civil service.

The call was made by the association in a press release that was jointly signed on Monday in Lokoja by its State Chairman, Dr. Ugoh Stanley Nkemakolam, and Secretary, Dr. Okundaye Benson.

It should be recalled that on June 23, NAGGMDP Kogi State made a press conference appeal to the State Government for an upward review of CONMESS, hazard allowance, cash backing of promotions, employment of more doctors, and the reintroduction of rural allowance for members in the rural areas to cushion the harsh effects of the economy on them.

The association stated that the statement is intended to bring the difficulties that members are currently experiencing to the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

They argued that the current pay scale for doctors employed by the state government did not reflect the realities of the time, particularly after the removal of fuel subsidies.

The association urged the state government to act quickly to maintain the long-standing industrial harmony between it and its members, who form the foundation of clinical services provided throughout the state.

 “We know that His Excellency has been trying his best but we are still appealing to him to kindly address these five-point requests of our members as a way of encouraging the few of us who have kept faith in him in the thick and thin of the ongoing medical brain drain,” the association said