Kwara State Increases Allowances for Nurses and Health Workers

The Kwara State Government has announced a boost in professional allowances for nurses and other health workers. This decision also includes promoting medical laboratory scientists from Grade Level 09 to Grade Level 10.

The changes come after a thorough review of the pay and working conditions of health professionals in the state. The announcement was made by Okanlawon Solomon, the Press Secretary for the Office of the Head of Service, on Tuesday.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had previously instructed the Office of the Head of Service to form a committee to examine the salaries and allowances of medical officers and health workers. The committee has now completed its work and submitted recommendations aimed at improving the welfare of these professionals.

One key recommendation is to enhance the starting pay for qualified graduate nurses and medical laboratory scientists, aligning it with federal guidelines. The committee believes this will help improve healthcare services and keep skilled workers in the state.

Additionally, the committee suggested a system for paying rural allowances to health workers assigned to rural areas. They recommended that details about the deployment of these workers be sent to the Office of the Head of Service to help process these allowances.

The government has approved a new allowance table for eligible health workers and confirmed that medical laboratory scientists will move up to Grade Level 10, effective from their appointment dates. The Chairman of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission has been tasked with implementing these changes.

While the government has shared these positive developments, it has not revealed the specific amounts for the new allowances or when they will start being paid. The administration emphasized that these measures are part of its commitment to enhancing the welfare of healthcare professionals and improving healthcare services in Kwara State.