Our correspondent CHINEDU IWUNNA gathered that the new policy would require the deductions of a yet-to-be decided percentage from the monthly salaries of state civil servants.
The Deputy Governor, Doctor IPALIBO HARRY-BANIGO had last week met with the labour leaders for an opportunity to introduce the proposed policy.
After listening to the Deputy Governor, the labour leaders resolved to go back and review the proposal and take a decision with their various affiliate unions.
Following the development; the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council called a joint meeting where members rejected the proposed health insurance policy of the Rivers State government.
State Chairman of the Joint Public Negotiating Council, CHUKWU EMECHETA said the policy was rejected because of the ineffectiveness of past contributory schemes.
On the other hand; the State Chairman of the United Labour Congress, WILLIAMS ADAH said his union was in support of the proposed Health Insurance Policy of the state government.
ADAH told our correspondent CHINEDU IWUNNA that those who are opposing the policy are trying to make the health of workers a political issue.
Meanwhile; the legislation backing up the proposed Rivers State Health Insurance Policy would have to be passed by the House of Assembly before it would become operational.
