Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has officially announced a substantial increase in the monthly salaries and allowances for newly recruited medical doctors in the state, raising the amount from N150,000 to N500,000. This significant boost aims to improve the welfare of doctors and enhance healthcare delivery across Ebonyi.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the state’s health activation programme in Abakaliki, which serves as preparation for the upcoming Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme. Alongside the salary revision, Governor Nwifuru also inaugurated new hospital equipment valued at billions of naira, further demonstrating his commitment to upgrading the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
Governor Nwifuru’s Commitment to Supporting Doctors
Highlighting the challenges faced by medical professionals, Governor Nwifuru stressed that doctors deserve better compensation to perform effectively and support their families. He revealed that an analysis found the previous salary of N150,000 to be inadequate, especially given the high cost of living in the state.
Using Ivo Local Government Area as an example, the governor noted that doctors often spend large sums on fuel, estimating a daily requirement of 20 litres, which significantly adds to their expenses.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Nwifuru mentioned his initial interest in becoming a doctor but admitted to struggling with organic chemistry. He emphasized that the new minimum salary of N500,000 applies specifically to newly recruited doctors to attract and retain talent within the state.
Housing and Cost of Living Support
To further ease doctors’ living conditions, Governor Nwifuru encouraged the use of government-provided accommodation in various local government areas to reduce expenses. He instructed the Commissioner for Health to fast-track the completion of these housing quarters to ensure they are habitable and comfortable.
“Living at the various localities will help doctors save costs and avoid distractions from their families,” the governor added.
Health Sector Upgrades and Partnerships
Dr. Moses Ekuma, Ebonyi’s Commissioner for Health, praised the governor’s efforts in procuring new medical equipment, assuring the public that these resources would improve healthcare delivery. Mrs. Jioke Chinwendu, Executive Secretary of the State Drug Management Agency, also pledged to ensure the consistent availability of essential drugs throughout Ebonyi’s health facilities.
