COVID-19: BUHARI ENDORSES #8.9bn FOR HEALTH WORKERS

An additional sum of #8.9 billion has been endorsed by President Muhammad Buhari to all medical health workers in the country for the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) hazard allowances.

Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SDF) revealed this at the PTF briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

In the statement he stressed in addition that the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for hospitals and isolation units would be given priority.

He further emphasized about striking health workers, according to him, he said: “Over the past one week, a lot of discussion in the public space has happened around the strike action by doctors and threats by other unions in the health sector”.

Morealso, the Chariman of the PTF, didn’t hesitate to disclose the recent progress in resolving the issue of the action strike by doctors and the threats posed.

According to him, he said: “While appreciable progress has been made on the negotiations to resolve the issues, I must stress the fact that we are in a global public health emergency situation that has impacted negatively on all aspects of our lives including the economy and finances of the government”.

He wasn’t far from the truth as the aforementioned comes with a call to action on health workers in the sector and the masses of the country. “This had made it imperative for all citizens irrespective of their professions and particularly health workers to re-awaken their sense of humanity and patriotism”. He added.

However, in his statement; he expressed that the health and survival of our dear nation is important and that Nigerians should eschew any action that will diminish the gains made in the containment of the pandemic.

Mustapha also reminded all Nigerians of a renewed determination to deliver on the promises of the government to the nation.

All things been equal, the PTF Chairman made mention of the fact that promoting community engagement is not swept under the carpet.

Sources gathered that the PTF met with Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Polio and Primary Health Care to discuss on how to control community spread of the virus.

Same day, the PDF quickly briefed the National Food Security Council on the impact of COVID-19 on agriculture and the food value chain.