The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Abia State, Dr. Isaiah Abali, has called on the state government to immediately resume the recruitment process for 771 health workers, a move initially approved but later suspended.
Dr. Abali emphasised that the recruitment is crucial to addressing the severe manpower shortage in Abia’s healthcare sector, which has led to overworked staff and reduced quality of medical services.
Speaking at a press briefing in Umuahia, Dr. Abali highlighted the alarming doctor-to-patient ratio in the state, which falls far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended standard. He noted that the suspension of the recruitment has worsened the situation, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is already limited.
The NMA chairman urged the government to prioritise public health by fast-tracking the employment of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical personnel to strengthen the state’s healthcare system.
The Abia State Government had earlier announced plans to recruit additional health workers to improve service delivery in public hospitals but later put the process on hold due to administrative reasons. Dr. Abali appealed for transparency in the recruitment exercise, ensuring that qualified professionals are employed based on merit.
Healthcare workers and residents have expressed hope that the government will heed the NMA’s call, as the current staffing crisis continues to strain the sector. The association warned that further delays could lead to more avoidable health complications and increased medical tourism outside the state.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
