Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the review of rural allowances for medical doctors and nurses serving under the State Hospital Management Board, which will see the allowances increase to 100 per cent and 40 per cent of their total salary respectively.
The governor announced the decision on Tuesday during a briefing with journalists during an inspection tour of major projects in the northern part of the state.
The visit to Zulum included the Government Secondary School (GSS) Gubio, two general hospitals, and housing estates operating in Gubio and Magumeri local government areas.
Explaining the rationale for the increase, the Governor said the increase in allowances would be a “game changer”, noting that human resources for health remains a major challenge for his administration.
“We did everything we could, but our hospitals are still short of medical personnel,” he said.
“Upon investigation, I learned that many of our medical doctors prefer to work in facilities run by international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) because they give better remuneration than the government. We must ensure that our salaries are fair and equitable.
“For this reason, from January 1, medical doctors working in rural communities identified by the Hospital Management Board will receive a rural allowance equal to 100 per cent of their total salary, while nurses and midwives will get 40 per cent.
“I believe this measure will bridge the gap and attract more health workers to hospitals in rural areas. Therefore, anyone wishing to serve in general hospitals in local government areas should immediately report to the Hospital Management Board,” Zulum said.
At the Government Secondary School, Gubbio, the Governor also directed immediate provision of necessary facilities for laboratories and library of the school.
