Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the employment of 84 medical doctors, 365 nurses and midwives, 45 pharmacists and 100 health technicians and other supportive staff.
By his approval, 594 personnel would be added to the state’s healthcare sector.
The governor made the announcement on Monday in Maiduguri after a meeting with the state’s public healthcare stakeholders, which had in attendance Chairman of Borno Assembly’s Committee on Health, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salihu Kwayabura; Chairman, National Association of Nurses and Midwives, Umar M. Shettima, and heads of the state’s Health Management Board.
Others in attendance at the meeting held at the Government House, were the Contributory Health Scheme and Primary Healthcare Development Agency, among other stakeholders.
Of the 365 nurses and midwives, the governor explained that half were fresh graduates, while the others were experienced people who had retired from the state’s civil service after serving in hospitals, but would now be on contract.
Of the 84 medical doctors, the governor said some were recruited as permanent staff, while some were being engaged on contract and sabbatical services.
Zulum stated that the 45 pharmacists and 100 technicians and supportive staff would work in laboratories and other diagnostic sections as key components of the health sector.
The governor said the decision was aimed at drastically increasing the number of healthcare professionals across Borno State to bridge existing gaps in citizens-doctors and nurses ratio, and match the increase of hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the state, 51 of which were established by the administration.
Zulum also said he had given approval for the state’s College of Nursing and Midwifery to begin yearly foundation programmes that would admit 200 student nurses and midwives annually.
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He said the foundation would commence with initial 135 student nurses, with five drawn from each of the state’s 27 local government areas.
The governor said the state would, however, enter into agreement with all students who would enjoy steady payment of allowances, that on graduation from colleges, they would not leave the state until after working in its health sector over a period of time, for which they would be paid like other workers.
Zulum also announced that the state would soon embark on aggressive construction of new staff quarters for doctors, nurses and midwives, to encourage productivity.