The Osun State Government has commenced the payment of monthly allowances to Primary Health Care (PHC) volunteers across the state, ending years of unpaid service rendered by hundreds of health workers at grassroots health facilities.

Speaking at a one-day orientation training session for PHC volunteers drawn from the 30 local government areas of the state, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, who represented Governor Ademola Adeleke, described the initiative as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of health workers and volunteers.

Igbalaye commended the volunteers for their dedication and sacrifices in supporting healthcare delivery at the grassroots level, noting that many had continued to serve despite receiving no remuneration for over six years.

He said the government recognises that a functional healthcare system depends on motivated personnel, stressing that the Adeleke administration has consistently prioritised workers’ welfare across all sectors, particularly in healthcare.

According to him, despite challenges arising from the cessation of local government funds, the state government has continued to ensure the regular payment of PHC workers, thereby sustaining effective primary healthcare services across Osun.

The SSG disclosed that Governor Adeleke had approved the payment of allowances to over 1,000 PHC volunteers statewide, describing the decision as a reward for years of sacrifice and commitment to public service.

He also praised the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Shina Igbalaye, for providing purposeful leadership that has led to significant improvements within the agency.

“Since his appointment, the Board has witnessed renewed focus, stronger coordination, and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of healthcare personnel and volunteers. The approval of allowances for volunteers is one of the many positive outcomes of this renewed direction,” Igbalaye stated.

The SSG urged the volunteers to continue discharging their duties with dedication, professionalism and integrity while supporting government policies aimed at improving healthcare delivery and the welfare of citizens.

Speaking during the symbolic presentation of the allowance payments, Dr Shina Igbalaye said the event was organised to celebrate the approval granted by Governor Adeleke for the monthly payment of allowances to PHC volunteers who have served in various facilities across the state for several years without pay.

According to him, some of the volunteers had worked for between eight and twelve years without receiving any financial compensation from the government, yet remained committed to providing healthcare services in their communities.

He explained that the approved monthly allowance stands at ₦40,000 per volunteer, with the first batch covering 891 beneficiaries, while additional volunteers would be captured in subsequent phases.

Dr Igbalaye further disclosed that the state government had approved approximately ₦85 million for the payment of the first batch of beneficiaries, adding that another batch would be enrolled within the next two to three weeks.

He revealed that the state has close to 3,000 PHC volunteers serving in different facilities and expressed optimism that more beneficiaries would be captured as the programme progresses.

The Executive Secretary commended the volunteers for their unwavering commitment, noting that many of them maintained regular attendance and continued providing services despite years of neglect and lack of remuneration.

“They have never absconded from work. They have continued to report regularly to their duty posts and serve patients diligently despite not receiving any payment for years. That is why we believe they deserve recognition and appreciation,” he said.

Dr Igbalaye called on the volunteers to reciprocate the government’s gesture by redoubling their efforts in service delivery and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening primary healthcare across Osun State.

The orientation programme brought together PHC volunteers from all local government areas of the state and featured capacity-building sessions designed to enhance their effectiveness in community healthcare service delivery. (The Sun)

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