The Bauchi State Executive Council (SEC) has approved a 100 per cent salary increase for medical and healthcare workers across the state, with special consideration for those serving in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Dambam, disclosed this while briefing journalists after an extraordinary meeting of the State Executive Council held over the weekend.
Dr Dambam said the revised salary structure would be complemented by the introduction of special allowances for health personnel posted outside local government headquarters, aimed at improving healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
He also announced that the council approved the implementation of outstanding promotions for over 2,000 healthcare workers in the state.
According to him, the decisions followed recommendations from a special committee set up to evaluate the financial implications of a revised scheme of service for healthcare workers.
“The outcome of the committee’s work is a full review of the existing scheme, amounting to a 100 per cent increase, which stands as one of the most significant welfare packages ever approved for the health sector in Bauchi State,” he said.
Dr Dambam explained that the measures were designed to retain skilled medical professionals, improve morale, and strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas.
He added that specific incentives, including outside-posting allowances, were approved to encourage doctors and other health workers to accept and remain in non-metropolitan postings.
Health workers under the State Primary Healthcare Development Board will also benefit from the new allowances, thereby addressing long-standing disparities in welfare benefits within the sector.
The commissioner further revealed that the council approved access to car and housing loans for doctors and healthcare workers to ease financial pressures and enhance their quality of life.
To improve accountability and operational efficiency, biometric and verification systems will be introduced across health facilities in the state.
Meanwhile, the State Executive Council also approved N900 million for the recapitalisation of Yankari Savings and Loans. This was disclosed by the Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Ningi, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting.
According to Ningi, the recapitalisation was necessary due to the strategic role of the financial institution in the state’s economy.
“The N900 million approved by the state government will stabilise the bank and enable it to expand its operations, contributing more effectively to the economic wellbeing of Bauchi State through regular banking services,” he said.
