The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Abia State, Dr. Ezinwa Ezuruike, has called for the immediate resumption of the recruitment process for 771 health workers previously approved by Governor Alex Otti.

Speaking during a live program on Family Love FM in Umuahia, Dr. Ezuruike expressed surprise at the sudden suspension of the recruitment exercise last week by the Abia State Civil Service Commission.

"The Governor has been doing well in the area of renovation and equipping of primary health centres and facilities in the senatorial zones," Dr. Ezuruike acknowledged. "But this must be matched up with the required human resources because it is not the structures that would do these work."

Addressing Healthcare Staff Shortages

The NMA chairman emphasized that the recruitment would significantly address the shortage of experienced professional health workers across the state. He noted that every local government should have a medical officer for health and an array of other experienced medical professionals to ensure adequate healthcare delivery.

Dr. Ezuruike also raised concerns about the new salary structure approved for health workers by Governor Otti, which has not been implemented approximately two months after its announcement.

"It is sad to know that up till now, the agencies and departments that are to facilitate the commencement of the salary structure which was announced to commence in May 2025 are yet to make that materialize," he lamented.

Preventing Brain Drain in Healthcare

According to the NMA chairman, recruiting more health workers, implementing adequate salary structures, providing good working environments, and offering other incentives are crucial steps in preventing the best medical professionals from seeking employment opportunities overseas.

The Abia State Civil Service Commission, while announcing the suspension of the employment process by the Ministry of Health last week, assured applicants that a new date for the resumption of the exercise would be announced in due course.

Governor Otti's administration has been commended for its efforts in renovating and equipping healthcare facilities across the state, but stakeholders insist these improvements must be complemented with adequate staffing to achieve meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.

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