The Borno State government has directed the Chief Medical Director of the State Hospital Management Board (BHMB), Prof. Abubakar Kullima, to employ 473 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

Governor Babagana Zulum, who issued the directive, also called for the implementation of a 100 per cent rural allowance for doctors to incentivise postings in underserved areas.

Unveiling the recruitment plan in Maiduguri, Kullima explained that the new hires will operate across general hospitals and the newly inaugurated Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) throughout Borno.

He said the workforce expansion includes not only doctors and nurses but also pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and critical technical support staff, such as primary eye care and peri-operative care nurses.

This recruitment is part of ongoing health sector interventions by the Zulum administration, which include special training funds for resident doctors and the commissioning of new facilities, including Eye and Dental hospitals, to expand access to specialised care across the state’s three Senatorial Districts.

Under the new policy, nurses posted to hard-to-reach areas will receive a 40 per cent allowance, while doctors serving in rural communities will benefit from a doubling of their financial remuneration.

The initiative is designed to attract and retain qualified medical personnel in rural communities, addressing both challenging service conditions and the critical shortage of healthcare staff outside Maiduguri.