In a bid to combat brain drain, the Kebbi State Government has aligned the salaries of its medical doctors with those of their counterparts in federal tertiary health institutions. Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Musa Inusa-Isma’il, made this announcement during a ceremony for the handover of ambulances to state health facilities.
According to the commissioner, this salary harmonization aims to retain current medical professionals and attract more to the state. Doctors in Kebbi have already begun receiving the new salaries as of August 2024. The initiative is part of Governor Nasir Idris’ commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the state.
The ambulances were distributed to several health facilities, including Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, the State Teaching Hospital in Kalgo, and various General Hospitals across the state. The commissioner emphasized that the vehicles should be used solely for their intended purpose, particularly in improving the referral system and reducing delays in accessing secondary and tertiary care, which contribute to high maternal mortality rates.
The state’s Information and Culture Commissioner, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, praised the governor’s efforts and urged the beneficiaries to ensure proper use and maintenance of the ambulances. He also noted other government achievements, such as the beautification of the state capital and the completion of significant infrastructure projects.
