The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to enhance its healthcare system by recruiting 900 health workers and 342 healthcare professionals. This initiative, aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the FCT, has been endorsed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The recruitment process is expected to begin soon, following approval from the relevant authorities. Dr. Babagana Adams, the Permanent Secretary of the Health and Environment Services Secretariat (HESS), delivered this announcement at a dinner and awards ceremony hosted by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council.
Also, the occasion was organised to honour the 2024 FCT Nurses Week in Abuja. Adams expressed the administration’s dedication to tackling the issues encountered by medical workers and enhancing the standard of medical services throughout the FCT. Adams announced plans to introduce a concept called “Health Professionals’ Village.” This project is intended to improve medical workers’ living and working environments in the capital territory. With better housing and amenities, the government hopes to facilitate medical professionals’ ability to concentrate on their roles while enjoying a higher standard of living.
Many health professionals are leaving the country for better opportunities.
This action is part of initiatives to address the persistent departure of talent affecting the sector. The problem of medical professional migration, often termed brain drain, remains a significant challenge for the country. Many health professionals have been leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. A recent study noted that 51 doctors departed from the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja just this year. This concerning figure underscores the critical need for an intensified recruitment effort and emphasises the government’s need to prioritise the well-being of its medical workers.
Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu unveiled a National Policy on Health Workforce Migration in reaction to the ongoing crisis. This new policy targets the fundamental issues driving medical workers to migrate and seeks to restore a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce in the nation. The recruitment initiative in the FCT forms part of broader national strategies designed to keep medical professionals in the country and ensure that medical services are available to the community. Dr. Adams addressed worries about nurses’ mobility, a significant concern for many healthcare professionals in the FCT. Initial talks have begun with WEMA and Zenith banks to create smooth transportation options for nurses.
Abuja approved a 25% salary hike for nurses to enhance the medical sector.
These initiatives aim to ease nurses’ commuting, reducing some practical difficulties they encounter. Furthermore, initiatives are being developed to implement a payment system to simplify financial dealings for medical practitioners. A recent advancement in the FCT medical system is the endorsement of a 25% salary increase for nurses, which professionals throughout the capital have positively welcomed. Adams has stated that the settlement of overdue payments is underway, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing the working environment for its medical personnel.
In addition, this salary raise is part of a larger effort to enhance the appeal of the medical sector and keep talented professionals who might consider pursuing jobs overseas. Jama Medan, the Chair of the NANNM FCT Council, commended Minister Wike for his forward-thinking efforts to tackle issues in the medical system and stressed the critical requirement for hospital expansion in the state. Medan noted that the city’s population increase has led to significant strain on current medical services, which are becoming increasingly overwhelmed. Building new hospitals and acquiring advanced medical Technology is crucial for enabling the system to address the community’s needs.
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Medan urged medical staff, especially nurses, to commit to their roles despite their intense demands. He recognised many nurses’ challenging situations but encouraged them to persist instead of pursuing options overseas or changing careers. The night wrapped up with Rosemary Okoroafor, a professional from Karshi General Hospital, being awarded the Outstanding Nurse in Abuja. Dr. Esther Osunluyi, representing the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America, presented the award. This honour emphasised the hard work and perseverance of medical workers in the state, who persist in delivering vital services despite obstacles.