The Delta State Government has approved a significant salary increase for doctors, boosting their monthly pay by ₦200,000 and introducing a ₦100,000 tax-free allowance for house officers.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gave the approval as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and attract more professionals to the state’s medical sector.
The Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during a media briefing in Asaba. He explained that the new pay structure raises entry-level doctors’ salaries from ₦370,000 to ₦570,000, while house officers will now earn over ₦350,000, up from just above ₦250,000.
According to him, the additional allowance falls under the government’s MORE Special Allowance initiative.
The salary adjustment comes as the state intensifies efforts to recruit more than 700 healthcare workers. Despite receiving over 6,000 applications, the government noted a shortage of doctors willing to take up positions.
Officials believe the improved pay package will make medical roles in the state more appealing and encourage qualified professionals to join the workforce.
Onojaeme added that the initiative is aimed at enhancing healthcare services by ensuring hospitals are adequately staffed. He also emphasized that the recruitment process will remain transparent and merit-based, with no tolerance for bribery or favoritism.
The government says the move is part of a broader plan to address the shortage of medical personnel while improving their welfare and working conditions across public health facilities in Delta State.