The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled plans to recruit 900 health workers, alongside an additional 342 healthcare professionals, as part of efforts to improve healthcare services across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development was disclosed by Dr. Babagana Adams, Permanent Secretary of the Health and Environment Services Secretariat (HESS), during a dinner and award ceremony hosted by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council in Abuja. Adams confirmed that the recruitment drive was approved by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Dr. Adams revealed that the recruitment, approved by Minister Wike, is set to begin soon and aims to bolster the healthcare workforce in the FCT. In addition, Wike gave the go-ahead for the hiring of 342 more healthcare professionals to strengthen the region’s medical capacity. Adams also shared plans to propose the establishment of a “Health Professionals’ Village” to improve the living and working conditions for healthcare workers in the capital.
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Nigeria’s healthcare sector is currently facing a major shortage of professionals due to the rising trend of brain drain. At the event, Dr. Adams referred to a recent report by Prof. Sa’ad Ahmed, Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, which revealed that 51 doctors had resigned from the facility this year alone.
In response to this challenge, President Bola Tinubu has approved a National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, aimed at addressing the migration of healthcare workers and rebuilding a resilient healthcare workforce in Nigeria.
Dr. Adams also discussed ongoing discussions with WEMA and Zenith banks to improve transportation support for nurses, providing them with mobility solutions to ease their commute. The FCT government has recently approved a 25% wage increment for nurses, in addition to the payment of outstanding arrears, a move commended by Jama Medan, Chairman of the NANNM FCT Council.
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Medan praised Minister Wike for his commitment to enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers and noted the urgent need for hospital expansion to serve the rapidly growing population in the FCT. He called for the construction of more hospitals and the provision of better medical equipment to alleviate the pressure on existing healthcare facilities.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the “Best Nurse in the FCT” award, which was given to Rosemary Okoroafor of Karshi General Hospital. The award was presented by Dr. Esther Osunluyi, representing the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America.
With these initiatives, the FCTA is taking significant steps to address healthcare challenges, retain medical talent, and improve services across the FCT.