By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Zamfara State government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved a new salary structure for medical doctors. 

This policy ensures state doctors earn more than those in federal service to attract and retain top medical talent.

Health Commissioner, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun stated that a committee is also reviewing welfare packages for other health worker categories. This comprehensive review aims to boost morale and improve service delivery across the entire healthcare sector.

To tackle staffing shortages, the administration has approved the recruitment of 631 new personnel, including nurses and midwives. These professionals will be deployed to general hospitals to strengthen clinical care and maternal health services.

Furthermore, the government plans to hire an additional 800 workers for primary healthcare centers. This initiative focuses on the foundational level of the health system, ensuring rural communities gain better access to essential medical care.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) described these reforms as “historic” for the state. They noted that new allowances and salary scales have made Zamfara doctors the highest-paid medical professionals in Northern Nigeria.

Beyond wages, the state is investing heavily in infrastructure by constructing over 100 new health clinics. Existing facilities, such as the State Specialist Hospital in Gusau, are also being modernized and equipped with advanced diagnostic tools.

Zamfara’s progress was recently recognized when it was named the best-performing state in primary healthcare within the North-West. This achievement earned the state a $500,000 prize from the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge.

These strategies collectively aim to reverse brain drain and revitalize a previously neglected sector. By combining better pay with improved infrastructure, the administration seeks to provide quality, sustainable healthcare for all residents.