Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has approved a salary increase for medical doctors in the state’s civil service, aligning their pay with that of their federal counterparts.
The announcement was made during the 65th National Council on Health meeting, held at the Muhammadu Indimi Hall, University of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.
He directed the state’s Head of Service and Commissioner of Health to collaborate with federal agencies to eliminate any pay disparities.
The new salary structure, as announced by the governor, will take effect from December 1, 2024.
“As of December 1, medical doctors working with the Borno State government will receive the same salary as those working with the federal government,” Zulum stated, emphasizing the importance of equitable remuneration in retaining healthcare professionals.
Highlighting Borno’s adherence to the Abuja Declaration, which mandates allocating at least 15% of a state’s annual budget to healthcare, he outlined the state’s progress, including investments in health infrastructure, maternal and child health services, and critical disease control programs.
“We have prioritized health infrastructure and ensured increased access to essential services,” Zulum said.
In addition to the salary adjustment, the governor also announced the release of over N400 million for residency training allowances.
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This, as noted by him, includes N300 million for doctors in state hospitals and N100 million to support Borno indigenes working in other healthcare facilities across the country.
The gathering which has the theme “Accelerating Pathway to Universal Health Coverage Strategies for 2030,” as noticed by The Trumpet, brought together key stakeholders to strategize on achieving universal health coverage.
Both the Minister of Health, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts.
Pate reiterated the federal government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revitalizing the health sector through improved infrastructure, training, and maternal health initiatives, stating that, “the administration is focused on achieving universal health coverage by 2030.”