Abuja, Oct. 4, 2024 (TheGavel) – In a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Sokoto State, the state government has recruited 845 nurses and midwives to enhance the quality of services at its primary healthcare centers. This move is part of a broader effort by the Sokoto State Government to bridge the gap in medical personnel and address critical healthcare challenges, such as maternal and infant mortality, as well as Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).
The state’s Economic Adviser, Dr. Bashir Achida, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja. According to Achida, the recruitment drive was initiated to tackle the acute shortage of healthcare professionals in the state, especially in rural and underserved areas.
“At the moment, I don’t think there is any state in this country that has employed 845 nurses and midwives in one year for its primary health care centers,” Achida said, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the recruitment exercise.
The recruitment of nurses and midwives is part of the state’s strategic efforts to reduce the high rates of maternal and infant mortality, as well as combat health issues like VVF that have plagued the region for years. Achida further noted that the Sokoto State Government is committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, particularly in the state’s most vulnerable communities.
In addition to addressing the shortage of nurses and midwives, the state government has also outlined plans to recruit medical doctors graduating from institutions within and outside Sokoto State into state-owned healthcare facilities. This includes absorbing doctors who are completing their internships, thereby reducing the doctor-patient ratio in the state.
“We are working diligently to ensure that all medical graduates, including those on internships, are absorbed into the state’s healthcare system to further narrow the gap between doctors and patients,” Achida explained.
The state has also made significant strides in improving healthcare infrastructure. Seven primary healthcare facilities have already been renovated and are now fully operational. This is part of the broader vision of Governor Ahmad Aliyu, who is determined to improve healthcare services across the state.
“The governor has also conceived plans to build an additional 199 primary health care centers across the state, and we are making great progress toward delivering on that commitment,” Achida stated. This ambitious expansion plan is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services, particularly for rural communities that have historically been underserved.
Sokoto State currently has 23 general hospitals, and the government has also received approval to construct more healthcare facilities. This includes the establishment of a specialized hospital dedicated to treating Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a prevalent condition in the region that has severe implications for women’s health.
Achida commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises, particularly in the area of healthcare. He described the governor as a man of integrity who has “hit the ground running” in his mission to improve the lives of Sokoto State residents.
In addition to healthcare reforms, Achida highlighted the governor’s leadership in ensuring a peaceful and orderly local government election. He noted that the election was conducted without conflict, thanks to the decision not to dismantle the statutory structures responsible for local government elections, which were put in place by the previous administration.
With these comprehensive efforts, the Sokoto State Government is positioning itself as a leader in healthcare reform, setting a benchmark for other states in Nigeria. The recruitment of 845 nurses and midwives, along with the planned expansion of healthcare facilities, represents a critical step towards achieving the state’s goal of providing quality healthcare for all its citizens.(NAN)
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