One of the governors in the country, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has approved a 100 per cent salary increase for doctors and other healthcare workers in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Dambam, made this known on Saturday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Bauchi.
Dr. Dambam said the decision followed the council’s consideration of recommendations submitted by a special committee established to examine the financial implications of implementing a new scheme of service for healthcare workers.
He explained that the approval resulted in a complete 100 per cent review of the existing salary structure, describing it as one of the most far-reaching welfare interventions ever granted to healthcare personnel in the state.
According to the commissioner, the move was informed by the government’s resolve to retain skilled medical professionals and strengthen healthcare service delivery across Bauchi State.
He noted that the welfare package also includes the approval of peculiar allowances, such as outside-posting allowances, aimed at motivating doctors and healthcare workers to accept postings and remain in areas outside major urban centres.
Dr. Dambam further stated that healthcare workers under the State Primary Healthcare Development Board would equally benefit from the peculiar allowances, thereby addressing long-standing disparities in welfare benefits within the sector.
He disclosed that the council also gave approval for the clearance of outstanding promotion arrears for healthcare workers, with at least 2,000 personnel expected to benefit from the exercise.
To further enhance staff morale, the commissioner said the government approved access to car and housing loans for doctors and healthcare workers, a measure intended to reduce financial pressure and improve their living standards.
As part of accountability efforts, Dr. Dambam added that biometric and verification systems would be deployed across health facilities to promote transparency and ensure effective service delivery.
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