Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced a dramatic salary increase for newly recruited medical doctors, raising their monthly pay and allowances from ₦150,000 to ₦500,000. The governor made this declaration on Monday in Abakaliki while launching a comprehensive health activation programme that aims to lay the groundwork for the upcoming Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme.
Salary Review Triggered by Public Criticism and Field Reports
The governor disclosed that he was motivated to act after coming across a viral social media post that criticized the poor pay structure for doctors in the state. Following this, he initiated a more formal review by distributing questionnaires among stakeholders.
“The analysis online was validated by responses from the field. It was clear that ₦150,000 was grossly insufficient, especially for doctors working under tough conditions,” he explained.
Rural Medical Workers Hit Hard by Rising Costs
The governor emphasized the daily financial toll faced by doctors, especially those in remote areas like Ivo Local Government Area. He provided a detailed breakdown of how much it costs to operate in such locations.
“A doctor stationed in Ivo needs about 20 liters of fuel each day. If you multiply that by 28 working days, you see the scale of expenses they face,” Nwifuru remarked, noting that high fuel costs have made the previous pay structure unsustainable.
From Medicine Aspirant to Policy Maker
While explaining his motivation to improve conditions for doctors, Governor Nwifuru shared a brief personal story about once aspiring to be a doctor. However, he abandoned the goal after struggling with organic chemistry in school.
“I know firsthand that this profession is not for the faint-hearted. These men and women deserve to be paid well,” he said, as he announced that ₦500,000 would now be the baseline for new doctors in the state.
Government-Provided Accommodation as a Cost-Saving Measure
The governor also addressed housing challenges, urging doctors to live in officially designated quarters located within various local government areas. He argued that living close to their duty posts would reduce financial strain and improve work-life balance.
He ordered the Commissioner for Health to fast-track completion and renovation of medical staff housing, ensuring all facilities are livable and equipped with basic amenities.
Billions Spent on Modern Medical Equipment
Governor Nwifuru also unveiled state-of-the-art hospital equipment procured at a cost running into billions of naira. The equipment will help strengthen the state’s medical infrastructure and prepare facilities for the rollout of the Drug Revolving Fund — a critical project aimed at maintaining a constant supply of essential drugs.
Support from Health Stakeholders
Reacting to the developments, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, praised the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare in Ebonyi.
“The equipment we have received will significantly enhance our service delivery. Coupled with the improved pay for doctors, this will reposition our health sector,” Ekuma stated.
The Executive Secretary of the State Drug Management Agency, Mrs. Jioke Chinwendu, also commended the initiative. She reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to keeping drugs in regular supply across public hospitals and clinics.
A Step Toward Healthcare Sustainability
With higher salaries, improved working conditions, and new medical equipment, Ebonyi State appears to be making a strategic investment in its health system. Governor Nwifuru’s latest actions signal a deeper commitment to healthcare reform, talent retention, and quality service delivery, especially in underserved rural areas.
