*Vacancy Ads Will Be Placed In Newspapers
*Merit Is Only Criterion For Appointment
By Felix Durumbah, Abuja
A significant supplementary boost to healthcare delivery in Delta State is underway as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the recruitment of over 700 medical and non-medical personnel to shore up services in the Niger Delta state.
According to a press statement today from Government House, Asaba, the state capital, state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, who disclosed news of the planned personnel beef-up, during a press briefing, said the approval underscores the administration’s sustained commitment to expanding the health sector in line with ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
The Commissioner explained that the recruitment became necessary due to increased demand for healthcare services due to major developments such as the upgrade of General Hospital Warri to a Central Hospital and the near-completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan,near Warri.
Dr. Onojaeme noted: “This approval reflects the government’s proactive approach to ensuring that our health facilities are adequately staffed to meet the growing needs of our population.”
Providing a breakdown of how the proposed new staff members would be deployed, he said 295 personnel would be sent to the Hospital Management Board (HMB) -the body that literally warehouses the general operations, transfers, discipline of public hospitals staff members-, while the Delta State University Teaching Hospital would absorb 120.
The newly established College of Health Technology, Ovrode, is expected to take in 100 personnel, with Asaba Specialist Hospital and Warri Central Hospital receiving 60 and 12 staff members respectively.
The Commissioner noted that the exercise is also designed to mitigate the effects of the ongoing migration of healthcare professionals, popularly known as the ‘Japa’ syndrome, which has created workforce gaps across the sector.
He added that the government’s standing directive to replace exiting personnel has helped maintain operational stability within the system.
Dr. Onojaeme further highlighted ongoing efforts to address critical gaps, including the establishment of a State Public Health Laboratory, which is nearing completion.
He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, samples had to be sent to Abuja due to the absence of such facility in the state.
According to him, a new psychiatric hospital currently under construction will further expand healthcare services and require additional skilled manpower.
On medical technology, the Commissioner revealed that the government has procured three 1.5 Tesla MRI machines, noting that the helium-free systems are more cost-effective and easier to maintain compared to previous models.
The Commissioner also pointed to significant investments in dialysis infrastructure, which have reduced treatment costs to as low as ₦45,000 in some facilities, with further reductions possible through additional interventions.
Onojaeme assured that the recruitment process of the proposed employees would be transparent and merit-based, with vacancies to be advertised in national and local dailies.
He said the positions would cover a wide range of professionals, including consultants, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, health technologists, administrators, and support staff.
The initiative, he emphasized, is expected to enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes across the State.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Oborevwori…Relaxed, doing well.
