Nurses in Ondo State have called on the state government to reassess their salary structure to align it with the recent adjustments made for other health professionals.
During the 2024 Ondo Nurses Week and Scientific Conference held in Akure, the state capital, members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Ondo State Chapter, voiced their demands.
The conference, themed “Our Nurses, Our Future: The Economic Power of Care,” served as a platform for advocating urgent governmental action.
Akintobi Orobode, the state chairman of NANNM, expressed disappointment over the recent salary review for doctors, which brought their compensation in line with federal standards while excluding nurses and other health workers from similar considerations.
He stated, “Two months ago, we learned that the salary structure for doctors in the state was reviewed to be on par with that of the Federal Government, leaving out the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, which applies to other health workers.”
Orobode emphasized that such preferential treatment could lead to tensions among healthcare professionals who all contribute significantly to patient care.
He highlighted the essential role nurses play in the healthcare system, noting their constant presence with patients, which makes them particularly vulnerable to potential conflicts.
Orobode acknowledged Governor Aiyedatiwa's ongoing support for the nursing profession and expressed hope that their appeal would be addressed promptly.
He revealed that a formal request for a salary structure review had already been submitted to the governor.
In response to these concerns, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser on Health Matters, assured that plans were underway to review the salary structures of all health workers in line with federal standards.
Dr. Banji Ajaka, Commissioner for Health, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Niran Ikuomola, encouraged nurses to maintain open communication with the ministry regarding their concerns.
