Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, on Tuesday announced that Governor Francis Nwifuru has given approval for the implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors in the state.
Dr. Ekuma stated that this move is expected to substantially improve healthcare delivery for residents.
He also disclosed that the governor has tasked him with creating an appropriate salary framework for all healthcare workers in Ebonyi, urging medical personnel to intensify efforts to curb preventable deaths.
While speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, the commissioner expressed gratitude to the governor for approving the 2024 CONMESS, noting, “the least-paid doctor in the state would now earn over N500,000 monthly.”
Dr. Ekuma appealed to healthcare professionals to match the government’s commitment with dedication and excellence in service. He also encouraged the public to utilise state-owned health facilities, which he said are now safer and better equipped for patients.
Highlighting key improvements in the state’s health sector, the commissioner mentioned collaborations with UNICEF and the Global Fund that have enabled the establishment of oxygen-producing gas plants in Ebonyi’s three senatorial districts.
“We have partnered with UNICEF to establish an oxygen-producing gas plant—one in Ebonyi North, one in Central, and one in Ebonyi South. This initiative is to ensure constant availability of oxygen in our health facilities,” Ekuma said.
He added that oxygen cylinders have been supplied to general hospitals and primary healthcare centres, and that pulse oximeters are being used to monitor patients’ oxygen levels.
According to Dr. Ekuma, the oxygen plant in Ebonyi North was set up with support from UNICEF, while the plants in the Central and Southern districts were realised through collaborations with the Global Fund. These facilities were inaugurated about a week ago.
The commissioner also revealed that eight portable digital X-ray machines, donated by the Global Fund, have been delivered to the state. These machines can diagnose over 31 chest-related conditions.
“We have deployed these machines to hospitals across the state—some in Ebonyi North, some in Central, and others in South. They are also used for community diagnostics due to their mobility,” he said.
He further explained that the machines are transported to outreach locations, including Iboko in the North, Onueke in Central, and Onicha General Hospital in the South.
Dr. Ekuma concluded by commending Governor Nwifuru for his leadership in the health sector and thanking development partners for their unwavering support.
