NMA urges Abia govt to resume recruitment of healthcare workers

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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State Chapter, has called on the Abia State Government to resume the recruitment of 771 new healthcare workers.

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The NMA’s position was contained in a statement signed by Ezimwa Ezuruike and Clement Ifenkoronye, the association’s chairperson and secretary, respectively, and issued to the News Agency of Nigeria in Umuahia on Wednesday.

The association expressed concern over the sudden suspension of such critical recruitment by the Abia State Civil Service Commission.

It stated that halting such a significant and time-sensitive effort would be detrimental to health care service provision, especially considering the emergent personnel needs in health institutions within the state.

The group commended Governor Alex Otti of Abia for his visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening the healthcare system through recruitment approval.

It also applauded the Ministry of Health for initiating the recruitment proactively and in a timely manner, as instructed by the governor.

The NMA recommended that the model be applied in teacher recruitment, which allows managers and professionals in the health field to play the leading role in coordinating the recruitment process.

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The group further appealed to the government to ensure that due process is followed in such a manner that is transparent, just, and professional.

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“We respectfully call on the government not to allow the recruitment to remain stalled further.

“The situation regarding the health needs of Abia State citizens cannot be made to wait, and even the available staff remains too thin.

“Collective, immediate efforts are necessary to bridge gaps that currently exist and ensure quality, accessible, and timely healthcare for all,” it said.

Nigeria is facing an acute shortage of health workers, as doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and others are relocating to Europe and the Americas to escape the economic hardships back home.

(NAN)