Governor Zulum approves 30% salary increase to doctors in 7 liberated LGs

AHMED MARI,, Maiduguri

The Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has approved 30 per cent salary raised for doctors in seven Local Government Areas of the state, which were liberated from Boko Haram insurgents.

Governor Zulum, who gave the approval when he paid an unscheduled  late night visit to the General Hospital in Monguno, at the weekend, said apart from medical doctors, nurses, midwives, lab technicians, pharmacists and other health workers in the seven Local Government Areas will also benefit from 20 per cent salary increment.

He said the gesture was aimed at motivating them to deliver quality and affordable healthcare services to the liberated communities and build their resilience.

The seven LGAs: Monguno, Ngala, Dikwa, Kukawa, Kala-Balge Abadam and Banki in Bama, were hitherto  major strongholds of Boko Haram in 2014 and remained unoccupied for about eight years until the recent resettling of IDPs and refugees.

Zulum, in company of the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Barr. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, was at the General Hospital around 1am and was there till 2am.and was received and conducted round by the Principal Medical Officer, Dr. Solomon Tiza.

While at the General Hospital, Monguno, the Governor ordered the immediate  construction of additional staff quarters,, the provision of a deep aquifer borehole and solar electricity to enhance services at the facility.

It would be recalled that in January this year, Zulum raised the salaries of all medical doctors in Borno to the level paid by the Federal Government to stop rampant cases of state doctors moving to federal healthcare institutions for better pay.

The Governor has in the last three years approved the recruitment of a combined total of 676 medical workers made up of over 40 medical doctors and 241 nurses, midwives and other health workers.

Accompanied the Governor on humanitarian visit  to Monguno were Majority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Engr Mustapha Gubio; Commissioner for Justice, Bar. Kaka Shehu Lawan and former Commissioner of Agriculture, Engr. Bukar Talba, among other humanitarian and reconstruction officials.

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