Gombe state intern pharmacists under the Ministry of Health have disclosed their displeasure over the alleged nonpayment of their arrears by the state government.
The pharmacists also frowned at what they described as lukewarm attitude of the Gombe state government to upgrade them from student benefactors to intern pharmacists.
Speaking to Daylight Reporters on phone, the leader of the group, Pharm. Isah Inuwa, explained that all efforts put in place by the pharmacists in the state to ensure that they were being paid proved abortive.
While speaking, he says “Since we assumed office in the last one year, our arrears remain unpaid despite several efforts to meet with the government officials, such as Chief of Staff, Deputy Speaker and the Speaker himself.
“It has been over a year or so since the resumption of some of us on duty but the executive arm of Gombe State government is yet to upgrade us and as such we are yet to be paid as interns.
“It is worthy of note to let the public know that 90% of workforce in Pharmacy Department, State Specialist Hospital Gombe, Zainab Bulkachuwa Women and Children Hospital Gombe, are done by intern Pharmacists.
“With this setback from government, our members have totally lost zeal and morale to give out their best in healthcare services delivery.
However, in a document made available to Daylight Reporters’ newsroom, it was revealed that 30 pharmacists in the state were affected by the nonpayment.
In the document, three of the affected pharmacists were not been paid for over a year; nine for 10 months, while others were not paid for 7 and 6 months respectively.
Reacting to the allegations, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Ahmed Gana explained that upgrade is ongoing at the moment and those already upgraded by the civil service commission are awaiting payment at the treasury any moment from now.
“Those affected include all cadres of health workers who were placed on salary at the beginning of their degree program.” Dr Gana has said.
