Ebonyi Governor Raises Medical Doctors’ Salaries to N500,000 to Boost Healthcare Delivery…Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced a significant increase in the monthly salary of newly employed medical doctors in the state’s health sector, raising their pay to N500,000.
This bold move is aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system, improving the welfare of medical professionals, and curbing the persistent exodus of healthcare workers, commonly known as the “Japa” syndrome.
The governor made this announcement as part of a broader policy shift under his administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs,” a governance strategy focused on addressing the real, everyday issues affecting residents of the state. By increasing salaries for medical doctors, Nwifuru said he hopes to not only attract new talent into the Ebonyi healthcare system but also retain experienced professionals who might otherwise be tempted to seek better opportunities abroad.
This pay raise is one of several reforms the state government is introducing to revamp its health sector. Governor Nwifuru noted that the N500,000 salary will apply to doctors who have just joined the state civil service, adding that the adjustment reflects the critical role they play in safeguarding public health. He also stressed that improving the conditions of medical personnel is essential if the state is to meet growing healthcare demands and provide quality services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
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The governor has further directed that all state-employed medical doctors receive an additional N150,000 monthly allowance. This allowance is to assist with transportation and other professional duties, especially in a state where doctors often travel long distances between general hospitals and health centers. The financial support is expected to ease the burden on doctors and allow them to concentrate fully on providing medical care without being hindered by logistical or financial challenges.
In addition to the salary increase and new allowances, Governor Nwifuru has also procured a fleet of SUVs for use by medical doctors working in state-owned general hospitals. These vehicles are meant to facilitate quick movement and emergency response across various health facilities. According to the governor, this is in line with his administration’s aim to provide practical support to frontline health workers, acknowledging that their effectiveness relies not just on professional skills but also on having the necessary tools and infrastructure to work with.
Health officials across the state have welcomed the governor’s initiatives, describing them as timely and necessary. They argue that such steps are long overdue, as many doctors in public service across Nigeria face poor remuneration, inadequate equipment, and difficult working conditions. The recent actions taken by the Ebonyi State Government, they say, could serve as a model for other states looking to retain skilled health professionals and improve public health outcomes.
Governor Nwifuru’s approach highlights a deliberate investment in the human resources driving the healthcare sector. He emphasized that health workers are the backbone of any functioning medical system, and that if their welfare is ignored, the consequences can be far-reaching, including increased mortality rates and public dissatisfaction with medical services. He pledged that his administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of healthcare providers and invest in policies that improve the accessibility and quality of medical care for all citizens.
With the new salary structure and enhanced support systems, Ebonyi State is positioning itself to become a more attractive destination for health professionals. The government hopes these improvements will lead to better healthcare service delivery, a stronger workforce, and ultimately, healthier communities.
Governor Nwifuru’s reforms in the health sector reflect a growing understanding among Nigerian policymakers that sustainable healthcare solutions must begin with proper investment in the workforce. By making the well-being of medical professionals a priority, the Ebonyi State Government is taking a significant step toward creating a more resilient, responsive, and effective healthcare system.
