The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this, expressing concern over the relatively low number of medical doctors among the applicants.

To address this, he revealed that the state government has approved a comprehensive welfare package aimed at attracting and retaining doctors. The package includes a special tax-free allowance designed to make the state’s health sector more competitive.

According to him, the initiative—known as the “MORE Special Allowance for Doctors”—is part of broader efforts to curb the migration of healthcare professionals and strengthen the local workforce.

He explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved a ₦200,000 tax-free monthly allowance for all doctors in the state as a strategic response to the growing “Japa” trend and its impact on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“The migration of professionals remains a major global challenge. This approval will help us retain our doctors,” he said.

Onojaeme added that the improved remuneration would position Delta State ahead of many others in terms of doctors’ welfare, making it more attractive to both existing and prospective medical professionals.

He further explained that the policy would significantly boost doctors’ earnings. A Level-13 doctor, who currently earns about ₦370,000 monthly, will now receive approximately ₦570,000 with the new allowance.

“This will not only help us retain our doctors but also attract more into the state,” he noted.

The initiative also covers house officers. According to the Commissioner, the governor has approved an additional ₦100,000 tax-free allowance for them.

“With this, a house officer earning over ₦250,000 will now take home more than ₦350,000 monthly,” he said.

Onojaeme expressed confidence that the improved welfare package would reduce industrial disputes in the sector, noting that it addresses key concerns previously raised by medical professionals.

He described the policy as a major step forward in the state’s healthcare reform efforts, aimed at building a more motivated and well-compensated workforce.