ONDO STATE BEGINS ISSUING APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 930 NEWLY RECRUITED HEALTH WORKERS

ONDO STATE BEGINS ISSUING APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 930 NEWLY RECRUITED HEALTH WORKERS

The Ondo State Government has commenced the distribution of appointment letters to more than 930 newly recruited health professionals, marking a significant step toward strengthening primary healthcare services across the state.

The exercise, coordinated by the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), began at the agency’s headquarters in Akure and covers health workers who will be deployed across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

The recruitment includes medical doctors, nurses, midwives, community health extension workers, laboratory scientists, pharmacy technicians, health information officers, and other healthcare professionals. The newly employed personnel are expected to address critical manpower shortages in primary healthcare facilities across the state.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of OSPHCDA, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, described the recruitment exercise as a strategic intervention aimed at improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

According to him, the initiative reflects the state government's commitment to strengthening frontline health services and ensuring that residents have improved access to quality healthcare.

Dr. Akanbiemu stated that the recruitment process was conducted transparently and based on merit, in line with the state's Human Resource for Health Policy.

He also commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for approving the large-scale recruitment, noting that the move demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes across Ondo State.

“The approval of this recruitment underscores the importance the state government places on building a functional and responsive healthcare system. Adequate staffing remains essential for delivering effective healthcare services to the people,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the newly recruited health workers have completed the required documentation process and will be deployed immediately to various health facilities, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

He explained that the deployment is expected to reduce patient waiting times, improve maternal and child healthcare services, increase immunization coverage, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery across the state.

Dr. Akanbiemu further highlighted other healthcare initiatives undertaken by the state government, including the revitalisation of primary healthcare centres, the provision of essential medicines, and continuous capacity-building programmes for health workers.

According to him, these efforts are part of broader measures aimed at advancing universal health coverage and strengthening the healthcare system in Ondo State.

The recruitment exercise comprises 800 newly employed personnel across different healthcare cadres, in addition to 130 doctors and nurses recruited earlier, bringing the total number of health professionals employed under the first phase of the programme to 930.

Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government for the employment opportunity.

One of the newly appointed nurse-midwives, Mrs. Adebimpe Olorunfemi, described the appointment as a major milestone in her career and pledged to deliver quality healthcare services with professionalism and dedication.

Other beneficiaries, including Mrs. Ajibike Afolayan and Mr. Azeez Olayinka, also thanked the government for the opportunity and assured residents of their commitment to providing effective healthcare services.

The government stated that the deployment of the newly recruited health workers will be closely monitored to ensure equitable distribution across communities and optimal service delivery.

Community leaders and Ward Development Committees have also been encouraged to support the new personnel by providing a conducive environment that will enable them to perform their duties effectively.

Officials say the recruitment forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ondo State Government to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve service delivery, and ensure that residents across urban and rural communities have access to quality medical care.