Kwara govt approves enhanced salary structure to retain healthcare workers
In a significant move to counter workforce reduction and boost retention in the healthcare sector, the Kwara State government has approved the revised 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors across the State.
The announcement was made by Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board (KWHMB), during a press briefing held as part of the first quarter inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin.
Dr. Malik explained that this policy aims to curtail brain drain and motivate medical personnel to return to the State’s healthcare system, reiterating the board’s vision to establish itself as a leading provider of high-quality secondary healthcare services.
“The Board is committed to creating a healthcare system that ensures every citizen has equitable access to timely, effective, and preventive care, driven by innovation and a strong sense of accountability,” he stated.
Dr. Malik also highlighted the administration’s focus on integrating climate-smart healthcare solutions, such as renewable energy systems and sustainable water solutions, to ensure consistent and environmentally friendly healthcare delivery. Notable initiatives include the installation of solar energy systems at several facilities, including the General Hospital in Offa and the Cottage Hospital in Adewole.
Dr. Malik also reported successful collaborations with organizations like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF, including a recent training course for doctors on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) designed to ensure that each local government area has at least one CEMONC-compliant facility.
Furthermore, substantial progress has been made in the accreditation of training programs, with six facilities cleared for pharmacy intern training.
Similar accreditation processes are in progress for training nurses and laboratory scientists, alongside partnerships with educational institutions to enhance the skill sets of nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, x-ray technicians, and other allied health professionals.
Additionally, the Board has initiated strategic partnerships with local pharmaceutical companies, such as Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited, to strengthen the State’s drug supply chain and boost local economic growth through healthcare.
In terms of healthcare delivery, Dr. Malik shared that antenatal care was provided to 12,041 pregnant women, and general outpatient departments (GOPD) attended to 20,594 patients. The State recorded a total of 946 surgical procedures and 1,384 births, including 131 via cesarean sections.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Malik reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to prioritizing the health and well-being of Kwarans and expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the healthcare sector.
