Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than 649 new health workers, including medical doctors, nurses and other health professionals, have been recruited by the Abia State Government in its bid to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti has been voted the Best-Performing Governor in the South-East by a forum of academic doctors in the zone.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting. He explained that the newly recruited medical personnel were drawn from the 771 vacancies earlier advertised by the state government.
Prince Kanu said the recruitment process was transparent, adding that the shortfall of 122 health personnel would be addressed through subsequent recruitment by the Ministry of Health.
According to him, the exercise aligns with the government’s vision and sustained efforts to reposition the health sector for improved service delivery.
He further disclosed that out of the newly employed health workers, 432 are nurses who have already been deployed to various primary healthcare centres currently being equipped and made functional across the state.
Prince Kanu noted that among the newly recruited personnel is a neurosurgeon who previously worked in New York City but chose to return and serve in Abia State.
“Among the newly recruited medical personnel are professionals who had opportunities to work overseas but decided to come back and work for the state government because of the confidence they have in the leadership style of the Governor and the massive reforms being carried out in the health sector.
“Recently, a neurosurgeon was employed among this new set of medical personnel. He is an expert in this field and possesses a very rare specialty in medical practice,” he said.
Prince Kanu also revealed that Governor Otti was voted the best-performing governor in the South-East by the Forum of Academic Doctors, following what he described as massive transformation across all sectors of the state.
“Of course, we are aware that His Excellency does not accept awards, but it is important to note that Nigerians and indeed the global community are taking notice of what is happening in Abia State.
“I want to inform us also that the state does not, in any way, participate in or sponsor these awards that come the Governor’s way. However, because Nigerians are interested in what is happening, various groups are looking up to Abia for leadership,” Prince Kanu added.
