NMA Abia Chapter Hails Governor Otti for Approving Full CONMESS Salary for Doctors and Boosting Healthcare Workforce
Umuahia, Abia State – The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia Chapter, has praised Governor Alex Otti for his recent approval of the 100 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors employed in the state, describing it as a significant step towards improving healthcare workers’ welfare.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the state Chairman of NMA, Dr. Ezinwa Ezuruike, the association expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the governor for the landmark decision, which was announced on April 29.
The approval aims to align Abia’s medical salary framework with the federal CONMESS, ensuring pay parity for state-employed doctors and addressing long-standing disparities.
Dr. Ezuruike highlighted that this move underscores Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the health sector and enhancing the living conditions of healthcare professionals. “By aligning Abia’s medical salary structure with the federal CONMESS, the governor has once again demonstrated visionary leadership and a deep appreciation of the sacrifices and critical contributions of healthcare workers,” he stated.
The NMA’s commendation extends beyond the salary adjustment to include the governor’s approval for the recruitment of 771 new healthcare workers across various professional cadres.
This initiative is seen as a strategic investment to strengthen the state’s health system, which has faced challenges such as staff shortages and overburdened facilities.
“This strategic investment in human resources for health is a bold and timely step towards revitalising our state’s health system,” the statement further read. The recruitment drive is expected to cover doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals, helping to fill critical gaps and improve service delivery in public health institutions.
The NMA’s endorsement comes amid ongoing efforts by the Abia State government to address healthcare challenges, including infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms.
Governor Otti, who assumed office last year, has prioritized the sector as part of his administration’s agenda for sustainable development.
Stakeholders in the health community have welcomed the developments, viewing them as a positive signal for retaining talent and attracting more professionals to the state.
However, experts emphasize the need for continued implementation to ensure these promises translate into tangible improvements for patients and workers alike.
As Abia State moves forward with these reforms, the NMA has called on other state governments to follow suit in prioritizing healthcare workers’ welfare, stressing that such measures are essential for achieving universal health coverage and building a resilient health system in Nigeria.
