The Bauchi State Government has approved a 100 per cent salary increase for doctors and other healthcare workers across the state, in a move aimed at improving welfare, retaining skilled personnel and strengthening healthcare delivery.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Sani Dambam, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Bauchi.
According to the commissioner, the approval followed the consideration of recommendations submitted by a special committee constituted to assess the financial implications of a new scheme of service for healthcare workers in the state.
Dambam described the decision as one of the most significant welfare packages ever approved for the health sector in Bauchi, noting that it represents a comprehensive 100 per cent review of the existing salary structure.
“The decision was driven by the need to retain skilled medical personnel and improve healthcare delivery across the state,” he said.
As part of the welfare package, the state government also approved the payment of peculiar allowances, including outside-posting allowances, to encourage doctors and other health workers to accept and remain in postings outside major urban centres.
He added that healthcare workers under the State Primary Healthcare Development Board would also benefit from the new allowances, thereby addressing long-standing disparities in welfare benefits within the sector.
The commissioner further revealed that the council approved the clearance of outstanding promotion arrears for healthcare workers, with no fewer than 2,000 workers expected to benefit from the exercise.
To further boost morale and improve living conditions, Dambam said the government approved access to car and housing loans for doctors and healthcare workers, aimed at easing their financial burden.
He also disclosed that biometric and verification systems would be introduced across health facilities in the state as part of accountability measures to ensure transparency and effective service delivery.
The latest approval is expected to enhance staff motivation, reduce brain drain and significantly improve the quality of healthcare services available to residents of Bauchi State.
