In a significant development for the healthcare sector in Kwara State, the state government has commenced the implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical doctors and other healthcare professionals in state-owned health facilities.
Sources within the Kwara State Ministry of Health confirmed that the payment rollout began earlier this week, bringing relief to medical practitioners who have long advocated for improved welfare packages to align with national standards.
“This is a welcome development that demonstrates the government’s commitment to the healthcare sector,” said Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a senior medical officer at the Ilorin General Hospital, who spoke to our correspondent. “Many of us have received alerts reflecting the new salary structure, and it has significantly boosted morale among medical workers.”
The implementation of the new CONMESS scale comes after months of negotiations between the state government and various medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN). The payment is expected to address some of the concerns around brain drain in the healthcare sector, as many doctors had previously left state employment for federal institutions or overseas opportunities due to better remuneration.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has consistently emphasized healthcare as a priority of his administration, reportedly directed the immediate implementation of the new salary structure despite financial constraints facing the state. The administration has previously invested in healthcare infrastructure, including the renovation of several hospitals and the procurement of modern medical equipment.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed, noted that the government’s decision aligns with its determination to ensure quality healthcare delivery in the state. “By improving the welfare of our healthcare workers, we are investing in the overall health outcomes of our people,” she stated during an inspection visit to Offa General Hospital.
The new salary structure is expected to benefit hundreds of medical doctors and other healthcare professionals across the state’s primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities. Medical experts believe this move will not only retain existing staff but also attract new talents to the state’s healthcare system.
Healthcare advocacy groups have commended the state government for prioritizing the welfare of medical workers, noting that it would ultimately translate to better healthcare services for residents of Kwara State. The implementation of CONMESS 2024 places Kwara among the progressive states that have responded positively to the demands of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
As the implementation continues, the medical community remains optimistic about further improvements in the healthcare sector, including more investments in medical infrastructure and continuous professional development opportunities for healthcare workers in the state.
