Seven health workers have tested positive for covid-19 in Rivers State, just as the Association of Resident Doctors in the state have urged Governor Nyesom Wike to fulfil his promise of raising the hazard allowances of frontline workers by 50 per cent of their normal salaries.
Rivers has recorded 403 infections, 202 of which are active cases receiving medical attention while 179 have been discharged and 22 others have died.
The Chairman of the Association, Dr. Josephine Sokolo, told newsmen on Wednesday that health workers are more exposed to the dangers of contracting the virus which could leave them and their families bankrupt without any life insurance.
“We have seven health workers infected and they are being treated now. In fact, two days ago, a doctor in another state died out of COVID-19 complications.”
“The governor should increase the hazard allowances of healthcare workers to 50 per cent of their basic salaries. He should put in place a life insurance policy so that in case anything happens to any health worker, their families won’t be rendered bankrupt”, she said.