Nasarawa governor speaks on why he embark on mass recruitment of Doctors, medical personnel

Abubakar Lawal Lafia

As part of his desire to fulfill his campaign promises as well as ensure both adequate health personnel in healthcare facilities across the state, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state has approved the employment of 30 doctors, 15 Pharmacists, 70 nurses to fill the existing vacancies in the service of the state.

Speaking on the employment, he said: This is in line with my administration’s quest to provide healthcare services to our people.

“Therefore, I have approved the employment of 30 additional doctors, 15 Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Technicians, 70 nurses, as well as 50 medical laboratory technicians. He added.

He made the disclosure, while receiving, National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) at the Government House, on Thursday.

“In furtherance of my determination and concern towards healthcare of people, hence I also granted an approval for the employment of 35 health workers and information management officers, 40 health assistants and 6 radiographers.

“On the issue of workers promotion my administration is considering the matter affecting each and every civil servants not only members of NMA, but across every segment of those on the payroll of government shall be promoted.

“This could be achieved according to our financial strength.

On the issues of doctors working in the state being taxed heavily, Engineer Sule assured the NMA officials that he has directed the State Accountant General to look into the matter, with a view to reverse any excess tax, especially for medical doctors.

“At this juncture, I want to show my personal, government and people’s appreciation as our state was ranked top states known for sustained capacity training for its workers”, adding that without capacity building, training and retraining, his administration may not achieve what it sets out to achieve.

On the COVID-19 pandemic, Sule while thanked Doctors for their sacrifices with a view to arrest the pandemic and to de-escalate it in the society.

“I appeal to you to sustain the tempo as this deadly disease is still around us.

The Governor further called on them not to relax their earlier position, thinking, the coronavirus has been defeated, adding that the NCDC during the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, advised that henceforth testing should not be restricted to malaria, fever or anything ailment, but that the first test to be conducted is that of COVID-19.

In his remark, National President of the NMA, Professor Innocent Ujah, while commending the administration for the cordial relationship between government and medical and dental practitioners in the state, however said this relationship can be strengthened by the visit of the national officials of the NMA.

“We are here today in Nasarawa state particularly to meet with you, to intimate you on some issues considered as barriers to healthcare delivery system. The NMA president stated.