From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Katsina State Council, has raised alarm over the acute shortage of healthcare workers in the state, revealing that only 1,000 nurses and midwives serve a population of eight million people.
The state secretary of NANNM, Comrade Nura Muazu, disclosed this at a press conference, stating that the shortage was largely due to poor remuneration and inadequate welfare provided by the government.
“We are receiving one of the lowest salaries and benefits in Nigeria. Nurses and midwives in Katsina receive only N5,000 monthly as hazard allowance, which is the lowest in the country,” Muazu lamented.
Beyond poor remuneration, Muazu also highlighted the growing insecurity in Katsina, which has led to the abduction and killing of several health workers.
He cited the recent kidnapping of Nurse Yusuf Mohammed Mairuwa while on night duty at Kankara General Hospital. Similarly, Murtala Isah, a nurse at Dutsinma General Hospital, was abducted and later killed by suspected bandits.
Muazu expressed frustration that despite several pleas and letters to the government requesting improved security around hospitals, no concrete action had been taken.
“We demand that the government take urgent steps to secure the release of Yusuf Mairuwa from captivity. We also call for better remuneration for our members and compensation for those who have suffered losses due to bandit attacks,” he stated.
Muazu warned that if the government fails to meet their demands by the end of this month, nurses and midwives in the state would be forced to embark on a strike.
Responding to the concerns raised, Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu Funtua, assured that the government had deployed more security agents to health facilities to protect workers.
He also disclosed that the state government had commenced the recruitment of additional health workers to address the manpower shortage in general hospitals and other healthcare centers.
“A meeting has been held between government officials and the leadership of the council to address their demands,” Funtua added.
Despite the government’s assurances, health workers in Katsina remain concerned about their safety and working conditions, with many hoping for urgent action before they are forced to down tools.