Japa: Governor AbdulRazaq approves CONMESS for Doctors
By Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
In a strategic move to curb workforce attrition and strengthen healthcare manpower, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the implementation of the revised 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors in the state.
The announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board (KWHMB), Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, during the first-quarter inter-ministerial press briefing held at the Ministry of Finance conference room in Ilorin.
Dr. Malik stated that the policy is part of efforts to mitigate brain drain and attract medical professionals back into the state’s healthcare system.
He emphasized the Board’s vision to deliver top-tier secondary healthcare services across Kwara State.
“Our goal is to build a healthcare system where every citizen enjoys equitable access to timely, effective, and preventive care—driven by innovation, strategic leadership, and strong accountability,” he said.
Speaking on climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure, Dr. Malik highlighted the administration’s adoption of renewable energy and sustainable water solutions. These include solar installations at the General Hospital in Offa, the Cottage Hospital in Adewole, and facilities in Ajase Ipo, Eruku, Tsaragi, and Isin local government areas, ensuring consistent and eco-friendly service delivery.
He further outlined the government’s focus on capacity building and continuous training of healthcare professionals.
Notable collaborations include partnerships with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF, which facilitated a two-week intensive training on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC). As a result, each local government area in the state now has at least one CEMONC-compliant facility.
Dr. Malik also reported advances in human resource development, including pharmacy intern training accreditation in six facilities across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“Accreditation processes are also underway for the training of nurses and laboratory scientists, alongside partnerships with academic institutions to train allied health professionals, such as x-ray technicians, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians”, he said.
To enhance the state’s drug supply chain, he said the Board has initiated partnerships with local pharmaceutical companies such as Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited, reflecting the government’s commitment to leveraging indigenous capacity and stimulating economic growth.
Presenting health statistics for the first quarter, Dr. Malik revealed that 12,041 pregnant women received antenatal care, while general outpatient departments (GOPDs) attended to 20,594 patients. A total of 946 surgical procedures were performed, and 1,384 deliveries were recorded, including 131 cesarean sections.
He therefore reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to prioritizing the health and well-being of Kwarans, and expressed appreciation for the state government’s continued efforts to revitalize the healthcare sector.
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