By Grace Damulak
The Plateau State Government has clarified issues surrounding the remuneration and conditions of service of newly recruited primary healthcare workers, stressing, the exercise was conducted in accordance with established civil service procedures.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, the government said recent concerns and commentaries, particularly on social media, regarding salary scales, welfare and workload of the newly employed personnel were based on misinformation and misconceptions.
The statement explained that the recruitment, carried out through the Plateau State Primary Health Care Board under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, HOPE Project, involved relevant ministries and agencies and was aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.
According to the Ministry of Health, the HOPE Project, which is supported by the World Bank, operates under a Performance-for-Results model that utilizes existing government structures and does not determine salary payments or conditions of service.
It noted that remuneration of the affected workers is based on existing Plateau State and Local Government salary structures, including applicable consolidated medical salary scales, and is guided strictly by public service regulations.
The government further disclosed that the state has not yet received any disbursement under the HOPE Project, adding that salaries of the newly recruited personnel are presently being paid through existing payroll systems of local governments and relevant agencies.
On concerns over workload and welfare, the Ministry acknowledged issues raised by some workers and assured that consultations with stakeholders and professional bodies are ongoing to address operational challenges and promote equitable distribution of manpower.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Plateau State Government to accountability, transparency and the welfare of health workers, while assuring residents of sustained efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve access to quality healthcare across the state.
Edited by Karen Keyen
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