Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has approved the release of N200 million for 150 indigent medical doctors to attend residency programmes.

Mr Zulum gave the approval on Wednesday in Maiduguri while receiving the national leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), who paid him a courtesy visit.

He explained that about 50 medical doctors working with the state government would receive N2 million each, while the remaining doctors who are indigenes working with different federal institutions would get N1 million each.

While reiterating the commitment of his administration to healthcare delivery, Mr Zulum lauded the support of the federal ministry of health and social welfare and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for their support in improving healthcare in Borno.

In his response, the NMA president, Prof. Bala Audu, commended Mr Zulum for his commitment and urged him to champion the universal applicability of quality healthcare delivery and the welfare of the health workforce.

“We know it is challenging, but you have the capacity for it because you have exemplified it in Borno state,” Mr Audu said.

The president announced that the NMA would be conducting a medical outreach in Borno to show appreciation to the governor for his administration’s support of the health sector.

“This outreach is aimed at showing support for the tremendous work that your government is doing in the field of healthcare delivery,” Mr Audu said.

(NAN)