The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured health workers battling to keep Nigerians safe from the coronavirus pandemic disease an insurance cover policy.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, stated this today in Abuja.
“Adequate insurance, compensation, and support would be provided to frontline health workers during and in the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic”.
“The Federal Government recognises the patriotism and sacrifice of our frontline healthcare workers, whose critical roles in combating the COVID-19 pandemic place their health and lives at risk.”
“The government is taking steps to activate, release and enhance the hazard allowances provided in the remuneration structure of the Federal health sector workers.
She also noted that it had become compelling to offer the needed support through an adequate insurance policy.
Our correspondents reports that some of the hazards suffered by the frontline health workers were, psychological distress, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma, pathogen exposure, and physical and psychological violence.
Commending the sacrifice of the workers, the minister said the government would also engage the insurance industry to come up with a package that would take care of their health risks.
According to the World Health Organisation, employers and managers in health facilities should assume overall responsibility to ensure that all necessary preventive and protective measures are taken to minimise occupational hazards on healthcare workers during this period.
