Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has announced a significant boost to the healthcare sector by approving a one hundred per cent hazard allowance for medical doctors and other health workers in the state.
The governor revealed the new policy when pioneer medical students of Prince Abubakar Audu University and the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, Kogi State, paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday.
He said the hazard allowance increase is part of the state’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and retaining medical professionals.
The students, accompanied by their parents and the management of the University led by Vice Chancellor Prof Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, expressed gratitude to Governor Bello for his pivotal role in financing their studies and overall investment in education in the state.
Prof Tenuche lauded Governor Bello for his remarkable achievements in education, highlighting that the University is now poised for full accreditation, offering programs such as Anatomy, Physiology, Nursing Science, and more.
Dr. Olusola Baoku, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Kogi State Chapter, commended Governor Bello for his strides in the state’s health sector, acknowledging Kogi as one of the seven states in the federation addressing hazard allowance for medical doctors by 50% payment.
He emphasized the improved medical infrastructure provided by the Bello administration, stressing that the state is ready to establish and run a medical college.
Governor Bello, emphasizing his commitment to advancing healthcare, shared the state’s policy to train medical professionals within and outside the state, hoping to contribute to bridging the workforce gap.
Responding to Dr Baoku’s commendation, Governor Bello affirmed the government’s dedication to encouraging professionals to work in a conducive environment within the state.
Accompanied by the governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor Bello assured continued improvements across all economic sectors, particularly in healthcare delivery, aiming to counter the trend of professionals leaving the state.
