Gov Alia releases N2.3bn to Benue Teaching Hospital for staff welfare, outstanding arrears

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved the release of N2.3 billion to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi, to settle outstanding staff arrears and implement revised allowances approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, effective from July 2024.

The funding will cover reviewed allowances for members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, nurses and other healthcare workers at the institution.

It will also cater for annual salary step increments and the hospital’s 2026 staff promotion exercise, alongside other outstanding financial commitments to employees.

According to the hospital’s management, the intervention includes the payment of revised uniform allowances, CONMESS relativity for members of MDCAN and ARD, as well as specialist allowances for resident doctors.

The release of the funds is expected to address accumulated payment obligations and improve the financial welfare of healthcare professionals serving at the state-owned tertiary health institution.

With the implementation of the revised allowances, eligible BSUTH employees are expected to receive remuneration corresponding to approved entitlements applicable to staff of federal government teaching hospitals and other federal health institutions.

The intervention is also expected to improve staff morale and create a more supportive working environment, as the hospital seeks to sustain effective healthcare delivery and improve services to residents of Benue State.

The management of BSUTH, led by its Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for the financial support and his commitment to staff welfare, the development of the institution and the provision of quality healthcare services.