Nigerian doctors set to benefit as the government approves an improved salary structure. Details on the new reforms inside
In a notable advancement, Governor Babagana Zulum of North-East Nigeria has introduced a transformative salary reform for medical doctors in state-run hospitals, ensuring their compensation matches that of federal doctors, effective December 1, 2024.
This announcement was made during the opening of the 65th National Council on Health (NCH) Conference in Maiduguri, which focused on “Accelerating Pathways to Universal Health Coverage: Strategies for 2030 Success,” and gathered key health sector stakeholders.
Governor Zulum articulated that this initiative aims to address the migration of medical professionals from the state, driven by wage inequalities, and is expected to improve healthcare services while retaining skilled workers.
He expressed confidence that the revised salary structure and allowances would motivate doctors to remain in Borno State. Furthermore, he disclosed that the state government has allocated N301 million to assist 100 medical doctors in residency training within Borno’s healthcare facilities.
The governor reiterated his commitment to the Abuja Declaration, which calls for dedicating at least 15% of state budgets to healthcare, highlighting Borno State’s focus on maternal and child health, infrastructure, and disease control initiatives.
Despite these efforts, Zulum recognized the ongoing issue of high maternal mortality rates and emphasized the necessity for urgent action, supporting the Federal Government’s Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative to eliminate financial obstacles to essential medical procedures such as cesarean sections.
Peoplesmind
