The Sokoto State Government has introduced a new policy mandating all medical professionals whose training it sponsors to serve in rural communities for two years. This measure aims to address the acute shortage of healthcare workers in underserved areas and improve equitable healthcare delivery across the state.
Spearheaded by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, the initiative targets doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers, who will be bonded to serve in rural health facilities for a minimum of two years.
The decision follows a comprehensive needs assessment that revealed an overconcentration of health workers in urban areas, leaving rural communities with minimal access to medical services.
“We are not just posting them to rural areas, we are also motivating them with better pay, improved facilities, and security support,” Dr. Abubakar said. He noted that the approach has already inspired interest from the education sector, which is considering adopting a similar model to tackle teacher shortages in remote areas.
To further encourage compliance, the Sokoto State Government has approved a 10% salary bonus for those engaged in rural service. The Commissioner expressed optimism that this incentive will persuade many professionals to remain in rural communities beyond their mandatory service period. “We’re confident that many will eventually choose to stay because of the good working environment and the incentives,” he added.
The rural deployment strategy is part of a broader healthcare reform agenda championed by Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration. In a move that has drawn national attention, Sokoto now pays medical and health workers salaries that match the Federal Government’s remuneration scale.
This, according to Dr. Abubakar, was achieved through the Governor’s prompt approval of the Ministry’s proposal. “We made a compelling case to His Excellency that for the sector to retain its professionals, we must offer a competitive package, and he signed off. Today, Sokoto health professionals are the envy of their peers elsewhere,” he said.
The improved welfare conditions have also reversed a trend of brain drain in the sector, with many health workers who had resigned choosing to withdraw their resignation letters. The Commissioner attributed this turnaround to the administration’s focus on competitive pay, conducive work environments, and strong support systems for healthcare providers.
Dr. Abubakar highlighted the importance of collaboration in the sector’s recent successes. “Healthcare is not a one-man show. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical scientists, cleaners, all play critical roles,” he said.
Professional associations such as the Nigerian Medical Association and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives have commended the state’s commitment to staff welfare and expressed renewed confidence in its leadership.
