Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has approved the recruitment of more than 700 medical and non-medical personnel, signaling a major step in strengthening healthcare services across the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, announced the decision during a press briefing on Tuesday in Asaba.
Dr. Onojaeme emphasised that the approval reflects the government’s continued commitment to expanding healthcare in tandem with ongoing infrastructural improvements.
Onojaeme also explained that the recruitment drive became imperative due to rising demand for medical services, particularly following the upgrade of General Hospital Warri to a Central Hospital and the near-completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan.
“This approval demonstrates the administration’s proactive stance in ensuring that our health facilities are fully staffed to meet the growing needs of our citizens,” he stated.
Detailing the deployment plan, Onojaeme said 295 personnel would join the Hospital Management Board, while Delta State University Teaching Hospital would absorb 120 staff.
He further said that the newly established College of Health Technology in Ovrode is expected to recruit 100 personnel, Asaba Specialist Hospital and Warri Central Hospital would receive 60 and 12 staff respectively.
The Commissioner noted that the recruitment exercise is also aimed at addressing workforce shortages caused by the ongoing migration of health professionals, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome.”
He stressed that the government’s standing policy of replacing exiting staff has been key to maintaining operational stability.
Highlighting additional efforts to strengthen the sector, Onojaeme mentioned the near-completion of a State Public Health Laboratory.
He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, samples had to be sent to Abuja due to the absence of a local testing facility.
The Commissioner further revealed that a new psychiatric hospital under construction would expand healthcare access and require additional skilled manpower.
On medical technology upgrades, Onojaeme disclosed that the state government has procured three 1.5 Tesla MRI machines.
These helium-free systems, he noted, are more cost-effective and easier to maintain than older models.
Significant investments in dialysis facilities were also highlighted.
Treatment costs have been reduced to as low as N45,000 in some centers, with potential for further reductions through additional interventions.
Assuring transparency in the hiring process, Onojaeme stated that the vacancies would be advertised in national and local newspapers, with appointments based strictly on merit.
He explained that positions would span a broad spectrum of professionals, including consultants, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, health technologists, administrators, and support staff.
The Commissioner concluded that the initiative is expected to enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes across Delta State.
