Governor Bassey Otu Takes Action To Address Medical Staff Shortage

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has announced that his administration will be rehiring numerous retired doctors who are still in good health and capable of working…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Additionally, Otu has issued a directive to extend the employment of retiring nurses by an additional three years. This action is in response to the severe shortage of doctors and medical personnel in the state’s hospitals, especially with many of them set to retire at the end of this year.

Dr. Henry Egbe, the State Commissioner for Health, shared this information with journalists in Calabar. He stated, “In light of the anticipated retirements in the health sector in 2023, the Governor has decided to prolong the employment of retiring nurses for an additional three years.

Furthermore, the state government is exploring the possibility of bringing back retired doctors, provided they are fit and willing to work in the state’s healthcare sector on a contractual basis.”

Ayuk mentioned that the state government plans to collaborate with the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Civil Society Organizations to develop incentives for medical practitioners who are willing to serve in rural communities, pending the governor’s approval.

Meanwhile, Dr. Felix Archibong, the chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the state, has praised the Governor’s decision and urged the recruitment of more doctors with improved working conditions to discourage further shortages.