Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has increased the monthly salary and allowances of newly recruited medical doctors from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000.
He made this announcement on Monday in Abakaliki during the launch of the state’s health activation programme, which is part of preparations for the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme.
The governor also commissioned hospital equipment worth billions of naira to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Nwifuru said the pay raise followed concerns raised on social media about the low wages of doctors. After conducting an internal review and surveys, he agreed that action was necessary.
“Doctors deserve more. Their salaries and allowances will now start at ₦500,000 monthly. This will apply to all newly recruited doctors,” he stated.
He pointed out the rising cost of living and operational challenges, especially for doctors working in remote areas like Ivo Local Government Area, where fuel costs alone can be high.
Nwifuru also urged doctors to take advantage of accommodation provided by the government in various local government areas to reduce living expenses. He directed the Commissioner for Health to speed up the completion and furnishing of doctors’ quarters across the state.
Dr. Moses Ekuma, the state’s Commissioner for Health, praised the governor’s commitment to health sector reform and promised that the new equipment would be well-utilised.
Also speaking, Mrs. Jioke Chinwendu, Executive Secretary of the State Drug Management Agency, assured that the agency would ensure steady drug supply to health facilities under the new DRF scheme.
The move is seen as a major step to attract and retain medical professionals in Ebonyi, improve rural healthcare access, and strengthen the state’s overall health system.
