Just In : Government approves recruitment of additional 200 health workers
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has approved the recruitment of an extra 200 health workers to complement the ongoing government’s intervention in the state’s primary healthcare sector.
The governor gave the approval at Ikot Nkwo in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of the state while commissioning the newly-built Primary Health Centre.
This is according to a statement obtained from the Information Unit of the Governor on Sunday
Eno said the approval for the recruitment was in addition to the announcement of health workers’ recruitment he made during the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration in the state.
The Governor assured all qualified would-be applicants of a transparent, fair, and merit-based recruitment process that would help in meeting the healthcare demands of the newly-built PHCs.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Health has whispered to me that outside the 200 I approved for the general hospital, the primary health care needs some more. So, as they are opening up, they need to be properly staffed. For the primary health centre, I am approving the recruitment of 200 additional health workers.
“The interview process will be extremely transparent. We are going to use computer-based exams. I am going to get a consultant that will set the exams. The people will come, sit for the exams, and get their results right there. And if you pass, we take you. The employment will not be on any form of quota. We want to employ the best for our healthcare system and even our educational system,” he said.
The Governor also revealed his administration’s readiness to pay extra allowances as incentives to doctors and nurses working in primary healthcare facilities in rural areas.
He equally directed the Commissioner for Internal Security to ensure adequate security for personnel and equipment in the health facility.
“What we are witnessing here today is a great move to bring primary healthcare closer to the people in line with our ARISE Agenda, with emphasis on rural development.
“A few weeks into this administration, I paid a visit to what had, for decades, been a health centre that took care of the needs of this community. I was shocked and touched by how the place was. But I was also impressed that the community was kind enough to give out their community hall to be used as a health post.
“I was impressed by how well the record of patients and procedures were kept by the Matron. We requested land from the community, and I want to thank the Village Head and all members of his community,” Eno said.
The Governor further pledged his administration’s readiness “to work with communities that appreciate investment, and what the government is doing for them.”
