Jigawa Docs Get a Raise—Finally! (And Why It Matters)

Okay, so Jigawa State just approved a new salary structure for doctors and healthcare workers. Big deal, right? Well, actually, yeah, it kinda is. They’ve been stuck with the same pay for fifteen years. Fifteen! That’s… well, that’s just brutal.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) announced it—apparently the governor, Umar Namadi, gave the thumbs-up. It’s supposed to bring them in line with what federal doctors are making. About time.

I mean, can you imagine being a doctor, working your tail off, and knowing you’re getting paid way less than your colleagues elsewhere? It’s demoralizing. I’ve seen this happen—good people leave for greener pastures, and who can blame them?

Shamsu Gujungu, the NMA spokesperson, said the new structure “restored hope and dignity.” A bit dramatic, maybe, but you get the point. It’s a big deal for morale. And it covers more than just base salary, too—hazard pay, call allowances, the whole shebang. It even surpasses national standards in some areas, which is a shocker, honestly.

But here’s the thing: Jigawa has some of the worst doctor shortages in Nigeria. Like, really bad. Something like one doctor for every 21,000 patients. The WHO recommends one for every 600. Huge difference. So, will this actually help?

I think, maybe, it could. It’s not a magic bullet, but money talks. And if Jigawa becomes a place where health workers feel valued and adequately compensated? Well, they might stick around. Or even—dare I say it—move there! The NMA is even encouraging doctors to consider Jigawa for job opportunities. “Come happy – Jigawa is ready to receive you,” they said. Cute.

The article also mentions other investments—a medical village, new equipment. Good stuff. It all adds up.

Because let’s be real, healthcare isn’t just about fancy buildings or equipment. It’s about the people. And if those people are burned out and underpaid? The whole system suffers.

It’s a step in the right direction. But we’ll have to wait and see if it translates into better care for the people of Jigawa. Fingers crossed.

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