By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved a salary increase for medical doctors in the state 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 Muhammadu Indimi Hall, University of Maiduguri, on Wednesday. This year’s council meeting, themed “Accelerating Pathway to Universal Health Coverage Strategies for 2030,” marked the second time Borno hosted the event.
Salary Adjustment and Implementation
Governor Zulum directed the state head of service and the commissioner of health to collaborate with federal agencies to close the pay gap between state and federal medical doctors. He emphasized that the new salary structure would take effect from December 1, 2024.
“Medical doctors working with Borno State government will receive the same salary as those working with the federal government,” Zulum stated.
Commitment to Healthcare
The governor reaffirmed Borno State’s compliance with the Abuja Declaration, which mandates allocating at least 15% of annual budgets to healthcare. He highlighted the state’s achievements in health infrastructure, maternal and child health services, and disease control programs.
Zulum also disclosed that the state had allocated over ₦300 million to residency allowances for state hospital doctors and an additional ₦100 million to support Borno indigenes working in other health facilities nationwide.
Federal and Traditional Leaders’ Contributions
The Minister of Health, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the need for collaboration to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. Professor Pate reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to health sector revitalization, prioritizing training, infrastructural upgrades, and maternal healthcare.
Traditional leaders, led by the Shehu of Dikwa, Ibrahim Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, also graced the occasion alongside senior officials from health agencies, UN partners, and state commissioners of health.
Governor Zulum’s proactive approach underscores his administration’s dedication to improving healthcare services and addressing workforce disparities in the sector.
