BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR–Poised to ensure better welfare for its members in the face of ongoing covid-19 crisis, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has said that it will work with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), to follow up insurance benefits due for health workers that died of COVID-19.
Speaking at a Five-day 7th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of NANNM, in Abuja yesterday, President of NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba said: “We will work with you to know the number of those that have died to follow up on what they promised as insurance cover for COVID-19.
“We were told 800 health workers were infected with COVID-19.
“Health workers globally are entitled to hazard and inducement allowances to encourage them to work, some countries make such 50 per cent.
“I am aware that in the second wave, there are so many allowances that have not been paid; I urge government to respect the understanding that we have actually reached.’’
He also commended all health workers at the forefront of fighting COVID-19, noting that the the success of every COVID-19 case was dependent on nursing care.
He further frowned at the privatisation of healthcare services, noting “We have seen deficiency in privatisation of health care systems around the world, health is not supposed to be for profit.
“Health is a fundamental right of a citizen. Some private hospitals in the country are taking advantage of COVID-19 to exploit people.
“We need to defend the larger population against exploitation.”
