Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved a ₦200,000 increase in the monthly salary of doctors working in Delta State, alongside a ₦100,000 tax-free allowance for house officers, in a move aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce and attracting more medical professionals.

The Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during a press briefing, explaining that the adjustment forms part of the governor’s newly approved “MORE Special Allowance” for medical personnel in the state.

According to the commissioner, entry-level doctors in Delta State will now earn about ₦570,000 monthly, an increase from the previous ₦370,000. House officers will also see their pay rise from over ₦250,000 to above ₦350,000 following the introduction of the new tax-free allowance.

Dr. Onojaeme said the decision became necessary after the government observed a low turnout of doctors in the ongoing recruitment exercise for over 700 medical and non-medical personnel across the state’s health institutions. This, he noted, occurred despite the government receiving more than 6,000 applications.

He expressed confidence that the improved remuneration package will encourage more qualified doctors to take up appointments in the state’s health facilities, thereby strengthening healthcare delivery and improving services to residents.

The commissioner also reassured applicants that the recruitment process will remain strictly merit-based, stressing that no candidate is required to pay any form of money to secure employment in the state health sector.

The new salary adjustment, he added, reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers while ensuring that hospitals and medical institutions across Delta State are adequately staffed.