Mbah Bags Health Workers’ Award, Highlights Heavy Health Spending

The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has honoured Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, with an Award of Distinguished Leadership and Outstanding Contributions to Healthcare Delivery, citing major reforms and investments that have transformed the state’s health sector.

The award was presented on Wednesday at the Government House, Enugu, by the National President of MHWUN on behalf of the state council and other union leaders, who praised what they described as “measurable impact” on healthcare delivery and workers’ welfare.

The union said the recognition followed the administration’s wide-ranging interventions, including the construction of 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres across all wards in the state, the near completion of a 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, and ongoing upgrades of general and cottage hospitals.

MHWUN also highlighted improvements in the welfare of health workers, noting the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), consequential salary adjustments, recruitment of 2,500 health workers, and sustained training programmes.

According to the union, prompt salary payments, expanded immunisation coverage, and improved maternal and child health services have restored confidence in the system. It also commended the introduction of free balanced meals for pupils under the Smart Green Schools programme, saying the reforms have attracted attention from international partners, including the World Health Organisation.

Speaking at the event, Governor Mbah said his administration deliberately prioritised health and education, stating that more than 50 percent of the state budget across three budget cycles had been committed to both sectors.

He explained that the investments were driven by alarming maternal and infant mortality rates, which required urgent expansion of primary healthcare services. He added that the government had also approved about N4 billion to equip an additional 100 primary healthcare centres, with plans to ensure full operationalisation of all 260 centres soon.

Mbah further noted ongoing upgrades at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane Hospital, nursing institutions, and other medical facilities, stressing that the goal is to build a stronger healthcare system capable of supporting economic growth.

“We are nothing without our team,” the governor said while accepting the award, dedicating the recognition to his workforce and pledging that it would serve as motivation for greater results.

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He also responded to some concerns raised by the union by donating an operational bus to support its activities in the state.

MHWUN’s Enugu State chairman, Dr. Nnenna Oraedu, pledged continued collaboration with the administration in improving healthcare delivery across the state.