Governor Francis Nwifuru has approved a ₦500,000 monthly salary for newly employed medical doctors serving in primary healthcare centres across Ebonyi State.
He made the announcement on Monday, May 19, while launching the state’s health activation programme, which includes a drug revolving fund and distribution of medical equipment to general hospitals.
Nwifuru said the salary boost is part of broader reforms aimed at revitalising Ebonyi’s healthcare system, noting that his administration has spent over ₦10 billion upgrading facilities, procuring equipment, and recruiting personnel.
To address staffing shortages, the governor disclosed that the government had hired 195 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab scientists, now deployed across general hospitals.
“This event is not just a ceremony, it is a declaration of our administration’s commitment to revitalising 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,” Nwifuru said.
He acknowledged the long-standing challenges in the sector, including poor funding, insufficient personnel, and lack of basic medical tools, saying, “This narrative must change, and it must change now.”
On the drug revolving fund, he explained, “Today, we are taking a bold step forward with the launch of the Drug Revolving Fund.
“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.”
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The governor said the initiative would benefit rural communities, ensuring access to affordable and quality medicine. According to him, over 60 percent of essential drugs have already been delivered, and full coverage is underway.
He urged health workers to manage the resources responsibly. “I urge our healthcare workers and facility managers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in managing these resources.”
On medical equipment, Nwifuru said hospitals were being equipped with modern tools, including beds, monitors, drip stands, and other vital supplies.
“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 said.
He also emphasised the importance of training, noting that partnerships with relevant institutions are ongoing to keep staff up to global standards.
Nwifuru called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society groups to help safeguard 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, stressing that mismanagement would be firmly dealt with.
The governor further revealed plans to establish specialist hospitals across the state’s three senatorial zones to offer advanced care and reduce the need for medical tourism.
“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,” he stated.