The Kwara State Government has approved an upward review of professional allowances for nurses and allied health workers, and the promotion of medical laboratory scientists from Grade Level 09 to Grade Level 10.
The measures followed a comprehensive review of the remuneration and working conditions of medical officers and allied health personnel in the state civil service.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Press Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Kwara State Government, Okanlawon Solomon.
According to the statement, the governor earlier directed the Office of the Head of Service to set up a committee to review the salaries and allowances of medical officers and allied health workers in the state.
Announcing the outcome of the exercise, the government said the committee had completed its assignment and submitted recommendations to improve the welfare of health professionals.
“The committee has since completed its assignment and submitted its final report, which contains recommendations aimed at improving the welfare, remuneration and working conditions of healthcare professionals across the state,” the statement read.
A major component of the recommendations was an improved entry-level placement for qualified graduate nurses and medical laboratory scientists, in accordance with the relevant Federal Government circular.
Explaining the proposal’s objective, the committee recommended the measure “to strengthen healthcare service delivery and improve the retention of skilled professionals.”
The committee also proposed a system to facilitate payment of rural allowances to eligible health workers posted to rural communities, along with an upward review of professional allowances.
On the rural allowance, the report recommended that “deployment and posting details of nurses and allied health workers be forwarded to the Office of the Head of Service to facilitate the processing of Rural Allowance for eligible personnel serving in rural areas.”
The committee also recommended reviewing professional allowances, and the government approved a new allowance table for eligible personnel.
After considering the submissions, the Office of the Head of Service forwarded its recommendations to the governor, who approved the proposed measures.
One specific approval concerns medical laboratory scientists currently on Grade Level 09, who will advance to Grade Level 10.
The decision provides that the advancement will take effect from the dates of their respective appointments to ensure that their seniority in the service is maintained.
“The Governor also approved the implementation of the proposed Professional Allowance Table for nurses and allied health workers in the employ of the state government,” the statement added.
To give effect to the decisions, the Chairman of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission has been directed to implement the approved advancement of the medical laboratory scientists.
The Commissioner for Finance is also to make the necessary arrangements to implement the approved measures.
The government described the approvals as part of its efforts to improve the welfare of health professionals, retain skilled workers and strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
“The approval reaffirms the commitment of the present administration to improving the welfare of healthcare professionals, retaining skilled manpower and strengthening healthcare service delivery across Kwara State,” the statement noted.
However, the government did not disclose the specific amounts attached to the revised professional allowances or indicate when the new payment structure would take effect.