The planned recruitment of 700 health workers by the Delta State government has attracted 6,000 applicantions from interested applicants to fill the advertised vacancies.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during a media briefing in Asaba.
He noted that the impressive number reflects renewed confidence in the state’s health sector, driven largely by recent welfare reforms approved by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The commissioner disclosed that at the centre of the surge is the governor’s approval of a landmark welfare package for medical doctors, including a ₦200,000 tax-free monthly allowance designed to curb the persistent brain drain in the profession.
“With this development, Delta State now offers one of the most competitive remuneration packages for doctors in the country.
“This will not only help us retain our workforce but also attract new doctors,” he said.
He explained that under the new structure, a doctor on entry level (Level 13), previously earning about ₦370,000 monthly, will now receive approximately ₦570,000, inclusive of the tax-free allowance.
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Dr. Onojaeme added that the welfare boost also covers house officers, who will now receive an additional ₦100,000 tax-free, raising their monthly earnings to over ₦350,000.
Despite the high number of applicants, the commissioner expressed concern that only a small proportion are medical doctors, a gap the government hopes to close with the improved incentives.
“We are optimistic that with this package, we will attract more qualified doctors and even exceed the number we require,” he noted.
He further assured that the recruitment process remains transparent and merit-driven, warning applicants against falling victim to fraudsters or attempting to influence the process through illegal means.
Dr. Onojaeme also expressed confidence that the enhanced welfare structure would reduce industrial unrest in the sector, as it addresses key concerns previously raised by medical professionals.
