Story source: OK FM Liberia
As the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) announces that the government has surpassed US$1 billion in domestic revenue generation, the Liberian Nurses Association is demanding a significant salary increase for nurses and other health workers across the country.
The Association says the revenue milestone must now translate into tangible improvements in the lives of public-sector workers, particularly nurses who continue to serve in challenging conditions.
In a statement issued shortly after President Joseph Boakai addressed the nation on the $1 billion revenue milestone, the Association declared: “Now that the government has raised $1 billion in revenue, it is time for nurses to feel the practical impact.”
The Liberian Nurses Association warned that nurses will not accept a salary below US$500 beginning with the next budget year, stressing that it will intensify its engagements with the government and other stakeholders to push for improved compensation.
The Association said it will “vigorously” pursue efforts to ensure nurses’ pay is increased, arguing that better remuneration is necessary to recognize the critical role nurses play in Liberia’s healthcare system.
Meanwhile, President Joseph Boakai, in his national address on the revenue milestone, cautioned that the achievement comes with a major responsibility to the Liberian people. “A billion dollars raised is a billion dollars entrusted,” President Boakai said, emphasizing that “every dollar must serve the public good and advance the ARREST Agenda.” He added that the revenue must be used to “improve the general conditions of our people.”
President Boakai further outlined how the increased revenue should benefit ordinary Liberians, saying, “It must serve to improve the general conditions of our people.” According to the President, an ordinary market woman must receive support to improve her livelihood, while civil servants should experience “a reversal of the harmonization of their salaries.”
He also said students must receive quality education in a conducive learning environment, public hospitals must receive regular supplies of medicines, and “our doctors, nurses, teachers, and other public servants must be sustained at their duty stations.”
The President also stressed that the increased revenue should accelerate improvements in learning conditions and the renovation of facilities at public schools and the University of Liberia.
Pundits say with nurses now demanding a minimum salary of US$500 from the next budget year, the government is expected to face growing pressure to demonstrate how the historic revenue milestone will translate into improved compensation and working conditions for frontline health workers. By #Marka B. Davis