Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has approved a new salary structure for newly recruited medical doctors in the state, raising their monthly pay from N150,000 to N500,000.
The announcement was made in Abakaliki during the launch of the state’s health activation programme, a key component of the upcoming Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system. The event also saw the unveiling of newly procured hospital equipment worth billions of naira.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Governor Nwifuru said he was moved by complaints circulating on social media and validated through a survey that highlighted the inadequacy of the previous remuneration.
“I came across an online analysis pointing out how insufficient N150,000 was for doctors. I conducted a review using questionnaires and confirmed the concerns were genuine,” he said.
He noted that doctors posted to rural areas such as Ivo Local Government Area often incur high transportation costs, especially on fuel. “A doctor in Ivo needs about 20 litres of fuel daily. Multiplied over a month, that’s a huge financial burden,” he noted.
Nwifuru acknowledged the demands of the medical profession and said his administration is committed to improving working conditions in the sector. “I initially wanted to become a doctor, but I was discouraged by organic chemistry,” he quipped. “Today, I’m in a position to support them, and I believe they deserve better.”
The revised salary applies exclusively to newly hired doctors, and the governor urged them to take advantage of the accommodation provided across various local government areas to minimize living expenses.
He directed the Commissioner for Health to fast-track the completion of staff quarters, stressing the importance of creating a conducive environment for health workers.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, praised the governor for the timely intervention and the investment in modern medical equipment, promising that the tools would be put to good use in health facilities statewide.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Jioke Chinwendu, Executive Secretary of the State Drug Management Agency, assured that her office would ensure steady drug availability to support the improved infrastructure and workforce.
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