The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has announced that the monthly salaries and allowances for newly recruited medical doctors in the state will be increased from N150,000 to N500,000.

Nwifuru made this disclosure on Monday in Abakaliki during the launch of the state’s health activation programme, a preparatory step for the upcoming Drug Revolving Fund scheme.

During the event, the governor also commissioned hospital equipment worth billions of naira.

He emphasized that doctors deserve better pay to help them perform at their best and support their families.

“I came across an analysis on social media about the inadequacy of the N150,000 salaries and allowances for doctors.

“After distributing questionnaires, I found the analysis to be valid and concluded that action needed to be taken,” Nwifuru explained.

Nwifuru noted the increasing cost of living, noting that doctors in remote areas like Ivo Local Government Area spend large sums on fuel.

“A doctor working in Ivo, for example, needs about 20 liters of fuel daily. If you multiply that by 28 days, you’ll understand the real cost,” he explained.

He recognized the demanding nature of the medical field, admitting that he once aimed to become a doctor but abandoned the idea after finding organic chemistry difficult.

“Doctors deserve more. I have decided that their salaries and allowances should be a minimum of N500,000 monthly, and this applies only to newly recruited doctors, “Nwifuru stated.

The governor encouraged doctors to utilize the accommodation available in various local government areas to help lower their living expenses.