Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has unveiled a new salary structure, raising the pay of newly employed medical doctors in the state’s primary healthcare centres to N500,000 monthly.
The announcement came during the official launch of a major health intervention initiative, which includes the activation of the Drug Revolving Fund and the distribution of modern medical equipment to general hospitals across the state.
Highlighting the administration’s significant investment in the sector, Governor Nwifuru revealed that over N10 billion has been allocated to upgrade health infrastructure, acquire state-of-the-art medical tools, and strengthen the human resource base.
To address the shortage of medical personnel, the governor disclosed the recruitment of 195 healthcare professionals, encompassing doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, all of whom have been deployed to general hospitals.
“This event is not just a ceremony, it is a declaration of our administration’s commitment to revitalizing the healthcare system of our dear state. It is a testament to our resolve to deliver on the health pillar of our People’s Charter of Needs,” he stated.
He lamented the long-standing neglect in the sector and declared that “for some time now, the health sector in Ebonyi has suffered from insufficient funding, inadequate personnel, and a lack of basic equipment. This narrative must change, and it must change now.”
Announcing the launch of the Drug Revolving Fund, Nwifuru emphasized its importance, noting, “this initiative will guarantee the continuous availability of essential drugs in all our general hospitals. The revolving nature of the fund ensures sustainability, transparency, and accountability.”
He described the initiative as “a lifeline for our rural communities, who now have access to quality medicines at affordable rates,” and disclosed that over 60% delivery of essential drugs had already been achieved.
Speaking on the importance of adequate tools in healthcare delivery, the governor said, “With regard to the distribution of medical equipment, our hospitals cannot function effectively without adequate tools.”
“Therefore, we are distributing modern medical equipment, including hospital beds, mattresses, patient monitors, drip stands, and other critical consumables.”
“These are not for decoration, they are instruments of life-saving service. This investment, worth over one billion naira, marks a significant milestone in our journey to reposition Ebonyi’s health sector,” he added.
He reiterated the administration’s dedication to ensuring professionalism through continuous training: “We also work with relevant institutions to train and retrain our health workforce, ensuring they meet global best practices.”
Governor Nwifuru called for a collective responsibility in safeguarding public health investments.
“Let me use this medium to call on our community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society to join us in monitoring and protecting these investments. Let the health facilities belong to the people. Ownership brings responsibility. Let me make it clear that accountability is not an option, it is a duty.”
He warned against mismanagement, stating, “Any mismanagement or diversion of public resources will be met with firm action. We have already shown that we will not condone negligence, as evidenced by recent decisions taken in the sector.”
Outlining future plans, the governor said, “Our vision is establishing specialist hospitals in the three senatorial zones to provide advanced healthcare services, reduce medical tourism, and save lives.”
He also hinted at innovations in health financing and technology: “We are also exploring partnerships for healthcare financing and digital health systems that will ensure efficiency and access.”
Concluding, Governor Nwifuru declared, “Today is a new dawn for health in Ebonyi. Let this flag-off be a call to action to our health workers, our communities, and every stakeholder. Working together will accelerate our vision to build a system that delivers hope, healing, and health to all.”
