The Delta State Government has approved the recruitment of more than 700 medical and non-medical personnel in a decisive move to address critical manpower gaps in the health sector.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, in Isoko North Local Government Area, where he stressed the institution’s growing role in building a sustainable healthcare workforce.
According to him, the approval granted by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is aimed at strengthening service delivery across hospitals and health centres, especially as the state completes and upgrades major medical facilities.
Onojaeme described the Ovrode College of Health as central to the state’s long-term health strategy, noting that the near-completion of a radiotherapy centre has created an urgent demand for skilled professionals, including radiographers and interventional radiographers.
He expressed concern over the shortage of specialised personnel, revealing that a recent recruitment exercise exposed the depth of the problem, with only two applicants appearing for ten available positions in interventional radiography.
The commissioner said the development underscores the need for Delta State to train its own workforce rather than rely on external supply.
He further revealed that the government is finalising work on a mental health facility, which will depend heavily on trained middle-level health workers for effective operation.
Onojaeme also highlighted the completion of the Mother and Child Hospital project, originally awarded in 2011, noting that the current administration has revived and delivered the project as part of its commitment to eliminating abandoned initiatives.
He added that the upgrade of the General Hospital, Roroquai, to a central hospital has increased the demand for additional personnel, further justifying the ongoing recruitment drive.
Addressing the wider challenge of workforce migration, commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome,” the commissioner said the trend has significantly reduced the number of available healthcare professionals across Nigeria.
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He noted that the state government is taking steps to improve staff welfare in order to retain skilled workers, including the provision of an annual training support grant of N951,400 for resident doctors.
Onojaeme expressed confidence that the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, will soon begin academic activities after its commissioning, producing qualified professionals to meet the growing needs of the state’s health sector.
He said the combined efforts in recruitment, training, and infrastructure development signal a broader commitment by the Delta State Government to reposition healthcare delivery and ensure access to quality medical services for residents.
