Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has unveiled a sweeping healthcare revitalization plan, including a monthly salary increase of N500,000 for newly recruited medical doctors in the state’s primary healthcare facilities. The announcement came during the official launch of a health activation program aimed at rolling out a Drug Revolving Fund and distributing critical medical equipment to general hospitals.
Nwifuru revealed that his administration has allocated over N10 billion to upgrade infrastructure, procure modern equipment, and address staffing shortages across the state’s healthcare system. To bridge human resource gaps, 195 healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists—have been recruited and deployed to general hospitals.
“This event is not just a ceremony; it is a declaration of our commitment to revitalizing healthcare in Ebonyi,” the governor stated. He acknowledged longstanding challenges such as underfunding, staff shortages, and inadequate equipment, vowing, “This narrative must change now.”
Central to the initiative is the Drug Revolving Fund, designed to ensure uninterrupted access to affordable essential medicines in rural communities. Over 60% of targeted drugs have already been distributed, with full coverage expected soon. Nwifuru warned against mismanagement, emphasizing, “Accountability is not an option—it is a duty. Diversion of resources will be met with firm action.”
The state also distributed medical equipment worth over N1 billion, including hospital beds, patient monitors, drip stands, and other lifesaving tools. “These are not for decoration,” Nwifuru stressed, highlighting partnerships with institutions to train staff in line with global standards.
Looking ahead, the governor outlined plans to establish specialist hospitals in Ebonyi’s three senatorial zones to curb medical tourism and enhance advanced care. He called on community leaders and civil society to safeguard investments in health infrastructure, urging collective responsibility: “Ownership brings responsibility. Let this be a call to action for all stakeholders.”
