By SEGUN GIWA

Ondo State Government has disclosed plans to embark on recruitment of medical doctors and other health workers for all the state-owned hospitals and basic health centres.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, made this known on Friday while declaring open the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State Chapter.

The conference had the theme: “Medicine and the Future Economy: The Ondo State Doctor’’.

Ajaka said that Ondo State Government was tackling brain-drain in the heath sector.

The official, who noted that brain-drain was not peculiar to Ondo State, said that the state was tackling it because of its capacity to produce medical doctors and other medical personnel.

“Government has given approval for more doctors to be employed, as well as other health workers.

“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 sake,” he said.

In his address of welcome, the NMA Chairman, Ondo State Chapter, Dr Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, commended members of the association for doggedness and commitment to rescuing the health sector in spite challenges.

Adeyemi-Osowe thanked the association members for their sacrifices and expertise in the advancement of medical science and improvement in healthcare delivery.

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

“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,” he said. (NAN)

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