As part of his determination to ensure optimal healthcare delivery, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has demonstrated his unwavering commitment towards the welfare of the state’s workforce by setting an unprecedented record in public service.
Accordingly, Governor Alia has released funds for the immediate payment of arrears owed the staff of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
The Governor’s ingenuity was carried out not only to relieve the financial encumbrances faced by the healthcare professionals but, to emphasize the necessity of investing in the people who serve the community.
A statement by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, said that the breakdown of the outstanding arrears highlighted the challenges that have plagued the healthcare sector.
The statement said that some of the noteworthy expenditures include: 2023 Promotion Arrears (13 Months), 2024 Promotion Arrears (1 Month), Relativity Allowances for Honorary Consultants (2 Months), Hazard Allowance Arrears (21 Months), Accoutrements Arrears (2023–2024), and Staff Death Benefits Arrears.
Sir Kula said that Governor Alia’s enterprising stance is indeed a beacon of hope, adding that the addition release of ₦398,568,662 for the reviewed CONHESS/CONMESS monthly payments further demonstrated the governor’s unwavering intent to ensure that healthcare workers are fairly rewarded and compensated on time.
The statement further said; “This combined effort for the payment of the arrears amounts to an impressive total of ₦1,005,496,729.76. This, no doubt, represents a substantial investment in the state’s healthcare system.
“By prioritizing the financial stability of healthcare workers, it is clear that the Governor’s aim of motivating and empowering them for improved service delivery is being realized.
“With this achievement at BSUTH, the Governor has positively impacted the civil service as a whole. He has effectively addressed the concerns of core civil servants and senior citizens (pensioners), clearing thirty-five months of Earned and Academic Earned Allowances for staff of Benue State, among many other significant steps aimed at repositioning the civil service system.
“All the Governor needs is the support of all citizens of Benue. Together, we can support his quest to deliver quality services and ensure that the needs of our healthcare workers are met.
“His burning desire to revitalize Benue and position it as the envy of fellow subnational entities is genuine,” it said.
