New dawn for Ebonyi Healthcare: N500,000 salary for new doctors

Martha Iloke, Abakaliki

Governor, Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has approved a monthly salary of N500,000 for newly recruited medical doctors, a significant increase from the previous N150,000.

The move aimed to recognize the demanding nature of the medical profession and ensure that doctors can perform optimally while taking care of their families.

Nwifuru made the announcement, on Monday in Abakaliki, the capital of the state during the flag-off of the state’s health activation program.

As part of the event, the governor also commissioned hospital equipment for the 13 general hospitals in the state.

According to him, doctors deserved better pay to enable them to perform optimally and take care of their families.

“I came across an analysis on social media about the inadequacy of the N150,000 salaries and allowances for doctors.

“After distributing questionnaires, I found the analysis to be valid and concluded that action needed to be taken,” Nwifuru explained.

The Governor highlighted the rising cost of living, pointing out that doctors working in remote areas like the Ivo Local Government Area of the state spent substantial amounts on fuel, monthly.

“A doctor working in Ivo, for example, needs about 20 liters of fuel daily. If you multiply that by 28 days, you’ll understand the real cost,” he said.

He acknowledged the demanding nature of the medical profession, revealing that he once considered becoming a doctor but changed his mind after struggling with organic chemistry.

“Doctors deserve more. I have decided that their salaries and allowances should be a minimum of N500,000 monthly, and this applies only to newly recruited doctors, “ the governor stressed.

The governor urged doctors to make use of the accommodation provided in various local government areas to reduce living costs.

He also directed the state’s Commissioner for Health to expedite action after their quarter to ensure they were conducive and habitable.

“Living at the various localities will help doctors save costs and avoid distractions from their families,” Nwifuru added.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, lauded the governor for procuring the new medical equipment, assuring that it would be used effectively.

“The procurement of this equipment will complement the availability of modern health facilities and a motivated workforce in the state,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the State Drug Management Agency, Mrs. Jioke Chinwendu, also pledged the agency’s commitment to ensure the consistent availability of drugs in general hospitals across the state.