The Kwara State Government has approved an increase in professional allowances for nurses and allied health workers, alongside the elevation of medical laboratory scientists from Grade Level 09 to Grade Level 10.
The decisions followed a review of the salaries, allowances and working conditions of medical officers and other healthcare professionals in the state civil service.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Press Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Okanlawon Solomon.
According to the statement, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had directed the Office of the Head of Service to establish a committee to examine the remuneration and welfare of medical officers and allied health personnel.
The committee has since completed its assignment and submitted recommendations aimed at improving the welfare, earnings and working conditions of healthcare workers across the state.
Among the recommendations was an improved entry-level placement for qualified graduate nurses and medical laboratory scientists, in line with the relevant Federal Government circular.
The committee said the proposal was designed to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the retention of skilled professionals.
It also recommended measures to ensure that eligible health workers posted to rural communities receive their appropriate rural allowances.
Under the arrangement, deployment and posting details of nurses and allied health personnel are to be forwarded to the Office of the Head of Service to facilitate the processing of payments for qualified workers serving in rural areas.
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The government also approved a revised professional allowance table for eligible nurses and allied health workers following its consideration of the committee’s recommendations.
In a specific decision affecting medical laboratory scientists, those currently on Grade Level 09 will be advanced to Grade Level 10, with the adjustment taking effect from their respective appointment dates to preserve their seniority in the state civil service.
“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 said.
To ensure implementation, the Chairman of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission has been directed to carry out the approved advancement for the affected medical laboratory scientists.
The Commissioner for Finance is also expected to make the necessary arrangements to give effect to the approved measures.
The state government said the decisions reflect its commitment to improving healthcare workers’ welfare, retaining skilled personnel and strengthening the delivery of medical services across Kwara State.
However, the statement did not specify the new allowance rates or state when the revised payment structure would commence.