Bauchi recruits 850 health workers to address manpower shortage

The Bauchi State Government has recently recruited 850 new health workers in an effort to address a significant manpower shortage in primary healthcare centers throughout the state. Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, announced the recruitment during an orientation and documentation exercise for the new employees at the board's headquarters in Bauchi.

Mohammed revealed that the recruitment was a necessary measure to replace personnel who had retired, passed away, or voluntarily left the state service. He explained that the government had implemented a phased approach to strengthen the workforce, with the approval of Governor Bala Mohammed to hire 151 volunteer workers. Additionally, 175 more health workers, including nurses, midwives, and community health workers, have been approved for employment and are set to start their duties soon.

The recruitment process involved securing the governor's approval through the support of local government chairpersons. The new staff were distributed among the 20 local government areas based on their specific manpower needs and the number of workers who had left the service. Areas like Misau, Kirfi, and Warji received fewer replacement slots due to lower retirements. Misau recorded 18 retirements, Kirfi recorded 18, and Warji recorded 19.

Upon completion of the verification and documentation, the board presented engagement letters to the successful applicants, marking the final stage of the recruitment exercise. During the event, Dr. Mohammed emphasized the responsibility of the new employees to improve healthcare services, especially for those who rely on primary healthcare facilities.

He urged them to be committed to their duties and provide quality services to the people. Dr. Mohammed also praised Governor Bala Mohammed's decision to approve the recruitment, highlighting the administration's commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.

Permanent Secretary Samaila Itimiya Liman called upon the new recruits to take their appointments seriously and adhere to their official schedules and responsibilities. The new employees, who underwent the required validation and documentation processes, are seen as an opportunity to serve the people by improving primary healthcare delivery across Bauchi State.