The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Hospitals Management Board (HMB), has commended the governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, for what it described as transformative interventions in the health sector, particularly in support of doctors across the state.
Speaking to journalists, the State Chairman of ARD, Dr Musa Karaji Modu, a Senior Resident in Nephrology, expressed appreciation to the Borno State Government for its unwavering support and commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Dr Modu noted that the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025 and 2026 marks a significant milestone in strengthening capacity-building among doctors in the state.
He further disclosed that the upgrade of senior residents and newly qualified consultant doctors has been successfully implemented, describing the development as a major boost to career progression and morale among medical personnel.
According to him, Governor Zulum is the first governor in the state’s history to achieve such milestones in the health sector, reflecting visionary leadership and dedication to improving healthcare services.
Dr Modu also acknowledged ongoing efforts to address additional demands, including promotions for doctors not in residency, consideration for car loan provisions, and the newly approved Professional Allowance Template (PAT), which is currently under consideration.
“These laudable achievements reflect a leadership that listens, understands, and acts decisively in the best interest of healthcare workers and the general public,” he said.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services and to supporting the state government’s vision for a stronger, more resilient health system.
In his remarks, Acting Secretary of ARD Dr Ali Zubairu, a Senior Resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, highlighted additional interventions by the state government, particularly housing support for doctors.
He revealed that newly constructed quarters for resident doctors and nurses would soon be commissioned to address accommodation challenges among healthcare workers.
Dr Zubairu also noted that the number of resident doctors in the state has increased significantly from six in 2019 to about 56, attributing the growth to improved welfare and government support.
He explained that without such interventions, many resident doctors might not have been able to cope with the financial and professional demands of residency training.
Also speaking, Dr Sale H. Abubakar, a senior registrar, commended Governor Zulum for approving a 100 per cent salary increase for doctors in the state, describing the gesture as highly commendable.
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