From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the immediate increase of rural allowance for health personnel at the General Hospital Damasak, from 12 percent to 30 percent.
The governor announced the measure on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the hospital, as part of his ongoing security and resilience-building tour of Northern Borno.
The visit included an interactive session with health workers, where he listened to their operational challenges.
“I have listened to all your concerns. Let me at this moment announce the immediate increase of rural allowance for all health personnel at the General Hospital Damasak from 12 percent to 30% percent.
This is to motivate the workers and ensure retention of frontline health workers in hard-to-reach areas.”
In addition to the increase in allowance, Governor Zulum directed the employment of additional laboratory staff to strengthen diagnostic services.
He also confirmed that health workers currently engaged by non-governmental organisations would be automatically absorbed into the state civil service upon the expiration of their contract.
Furthermore, the governor approved the automatic employment of 30 volunteer health workers at the facility into the state health system.
“I directed that they be enrolled in government-supported training and capacity building programmes to enhance their professional skills,” he said.
Zulum also presented each volunteer with a cash support of N50,000 in appreciation of their frontline service.
The governor equally approved the immediate provision of a 120KVA generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, deployment of an ambulance to enhance emergency response and the renovation of staff quarters.
He stressed that his vision is to deliver quality, affordable and reliable healthcare to every community.
He emphasised that “health is wealth” and remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in Borno State.
