FCTA to recruit health workers for its hospitals
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced plans to recruit 900 health workers for its hospitals, a move aimed at addressing healthcare staffing shortages.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this announcement was made in Abuja on Friday by Dr. Babagana Adams, the Permanent Secretary of the Health and Environment Services Secretariat (HESS), during a dinner and award night organized by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council.
The event, which concluded the 2024 FCT Nurses Week, began with Jumaat prayers on September 20 and celebrated the contributions of nurses within the region.
According to Adams, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has given approval for the recruitment process to proceed, which also includes the hiring of an additional 342 healthcare professionals. Adams emphasized that the process would commence soon and is expected to strengthen the healthcare delivery system in the nation’s capital.
In his address, Adams also committed to raising a proposal to support the longstanding demand for a health professionals’ village.
He highlighted the importance of creating a conducive living environment for health workers, stating, “Before the end of the current administration, we aim to put forward this proposal.” Additionally, he promised to propose solutions to improve nurses’ mobility, aiming to ease their commute to work. Talks are already underway with WEMA and Zenith banks to facilitate a partnership that would help meet these demands, including a seamless mode of payment for nurses’ services.
Mr. Jama Medan, the chairman of the NANNM FCT Council, used the opportunity to advocate for the expansion of hospitals within the FCT. He noted that many districts in Abuja are underserved, with a growing population far outpacing the available healthcare facilities. “The demand for healthcare services is increasing rapidly, and the current number of hospitals is not sufficient to meet the needs of residents,” he said.
Medan also encouraged nurses to remain dedicated to their profession despite the heavy workload, urging them not to consider migration abroad or changing careers.
He praised Minister Wike for implementing reforms that positively impact healthcare professionals, noting that the recent 25 percent wage increase for nurses, along with other arrears, is a step in the right direction.
One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of the “Best Nurse in the FCT” award, which was given to Rosemary Okoroafor from Karshi General Hospital. The award was presented by Dr. Esther Osunluyi, who represented the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America.
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