The Zamfara State Government has formally approved a revised salary structure for medical professionals that exceeds the federal pay scale, a strategic move aimed at enhancing healthcare services and retaining talented personnel within the state.
Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, the state Commissioner for Health, made this announcement on Saturday during a press briefing detailing recent developments in the health sector.
Furthermore, she indicated that the state government has begun the recruitment process for 631 healthcare professionals, primarily targeting nurses and midwives to serve in general hospitals throughout the state.
This recruitment effort is part of a broader initiative to tackle significant staffing shortages and enhance the quality of service in public health facilities.
Additionally, the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal plans to recruit another 800 health workers specifically for primary healthcare centers, emphasizing that fortifying primary healthcare remains a crucial government priority.
Dr. Maradun highlighted that over 100 clinic projects are currently under construction across the state, with special attention being given to establishing dedicated safe delivery rooms to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
She also confirmed that the government has invested in advanced medical equipment, including MRI and endoscopy machines, alongside other diagnostic tools, to elevate the standard of diagnosis and treatment in state-owned health facilities.
Addressing staff welfare, the commissioner noted, "Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a new salary framework for doctors that is superior to the federal government scales," adding that a committee is reviewing the welfare packages and salary structures applicable to other health worker categories.
Moreover, it was revealed that three zonal referral centers have been set up in Talata Mafara, Shinkafi, and Gummi to facilitate specialized healthcare access for people in remote areas.
In terms of financial support, Dr. Maradun mentioned that 200 million Naira has been allocated for the Drug Management Department, and more than 30,000 at-risk individuals, along with all local government employees in the 14 local government areas, have been registered with the Zamfara State Health Care Management Agency.
Additionally, the Zamfara State College of Nursing Sciences received instructional materials valued at 50 million Naira to enhance the training programs for upcoming health workers.
Dr. Maradun underscored the significance of international collaborations, noting that the state maintains strong ties with the World Health Organization and other development partners, stating, "We cannot succeed without these collaborations." She expressed optimism that Zamfara would effectively narrow its healthcare professional gap and improve access to quality healthcare for its citizens within the year.
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