The Abia State Government has unveiled plans to settle outstanding salary arrears owed to medical doctors by previous administrations, following a recent announcement of allocating N10 billion to address pension arrears.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, revealed these initiatives during a press conference held at Government House Umuahia, in conjunction with the Association of Nigeria Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), currently conducting a 10-day medical mission in the state.
Dr. Okoronkwo also disclosed intentions to raise wages for health workers to enhance motivation and improve service delivery, part of a broader strategy to stem the tide of health worker migration abroad.
Additionally, the state aims to recruit more healthcare professionals to alleviate strain on the existing workforce.
Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing the health sector and ensuring the welfare of healthcare workers.
The free medical mission, estimated at N200 million, targets providing healthcare services to over 7000 patients, including cataract surgeries and other medical procedures.
ANPA President, Dr. Chinyere Anyogu, praised the state government’s efforts in revitalizing the healthcare sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to deliver quality healthcare to Nigerians.
ANPA plans to address the issue of health worker migration through conferences and partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Health to train one million healthcare workers nationwide.
Chairman of the Mission, Dr. Dele Ekusami, highlighted the involvement of 60 volunteer physicians from the Americas and 100 from Nigeria in providing medical assistance, reflecting their dedication to improving healthcare in Nigeria.
Professor Azubuike Onyebuchi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, commended the efforts of volunteers and partners in ensuring the success of the medical outreach.
The Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State Diagnostic Hospital Umuahia, and the Amachara Specialist Hospital are simultaneously hosting the free medical mission, reinforcing collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.”
