By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has directed the release of funds to clear arrears owed staff of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi.
Governor Alia, who announced this is a statement said the action is in line his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state’s workforce and to set an unprecedented record in the public service.
The governor’s directive signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula in a statement Saturday in Makurdi, explained that his ingenuity in this regard is projected by not only relieving the financial encumbrances faced by healthcare professionals, but to also emphasize the necessity of investing in the people who serve the community.
Governor Alia further gave a breakdown of the arrears cleared to include 13 months of 2023 promotion arrears, one month of 2024 promotion arrears, two months relativity Allowances Arrears, 21 months Hazards Allowance Arrears, 2023-2024 Accouterment Arrears and Staff Death Benefits Arrears.
He noted that the owed arrears as cleared were the major challenges that has plagued the healthcare sector hence his bold step to clear, expressing optimism that his enterprising stance would be indeed a beacon of hope.
The governor who also announced the release of ₦398,568,662 for the reviewed CONHESS/CONMESS monthly payments,stated that it would further demonstrate his administration’s unwavering intent to ensure that healthcare workers are fairly rewarded and compensated on time.
He expressed optimism that the combined effort for the payment of the arrears which amounts to an impressive total of ₦1,005,496,729.76 would no doubt, represents a substantial investment in the state’s healthcare system.
The Governor pointed out that by prioritizing the financial stability of healthcare workers in the state, it is clear that his aim of motivating and empowering the workers for improved service delivery is being realized, arguing that with his present achievement at BSUTH, he has positively impacted the civil service as a whole.
Governor Alia also recalled that he has effectively addressed the concerns of core civil servants and senior citizens (pensioners),as well as clearing thirty-five months of Earned and Academic Earned Allowances for staff of Benue State, among many others, describing the development as significant steps aimed at repositioning the civil service system.
The Governor who said his burning desire is to revitalize Benue and position it as the envy of fellow subnational entities is genuine, called for the support of all Benue citizens, adding that together,his quest to deliver quality services and ensure that the needs of our healthcare workers are met would be achieved.