Brain drain: Ondo planning to recruit more doctors, says health commissioner

The Ondo government says plans are on to recruit more medical doctors and health workers for all the state-owned hospitals and basic health centres.

This was disclosed on Friday at the annual general meeting and scientific conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo chapter by

Banji Ajaka, commissioner for health in Ondo, spoke on  Friday at the annual general meeting and scientific conference of the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Ajaka said the recruitment is to address the brain drain in the health sector, adding that the government has the capacity to produce medical doctors and other healthcare personnel.

“Government has given approval for more doctors to be employed, as well as other health workers,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“I can tell you that we are recruiting for primary healthcare, secondary healthcare and tertiary healthcare. It is very huge. We are recruiting to all cadres.

“If there are 10 doctors that can man a hospital, we would put the optimal number in that hospital. We are working on the optimal. We are not just recruiting for recruitment’s sake.”

Speaking also, Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, ONDO NMA chairman, commended members of the association for doggedness and commitment to rescuing the health sector in spite of challenges.

“This year has been particularly challenging for the medical community, as we navigated through unprecedented times, facing numerous obstacles and uncertainties,” he said.

“However, it is during these difficult moments that our resilience, innovative spirit, collective will and efforts shine brightest.

“Today’s gathering is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that defines our association.”