Governor Zulum Bridge The Gap In Citizens-Doctors and Nurses Ratio In Borno State

The governor of Borno State Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the appointment of 84 medical doctors, 365 nurses and midwives 45 pharmacy and 100 health technicians and other support staff with the aim of bridging the gaps in citizens-doctors and nurses ratio and to match the increase of hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the state.

The appointment was announced in a meeting attended by Chairman of Borno Assembly’s Committee on Health, Commissioner for Health, Dr Salihu Kwayabura, Chairman, National Association of Nurses and Midwives, Umar M. Shettima, and heads of the State’s Health Management Board, Contributory Health Scheme, and Primary Healthcare Development Agency among others at the government house.

The mode of appointment of medical personnel varied. Doctors were appointed as permanent staff, some others were appointed based on contract and sabbatical term. The nurses and midwives were employed based on the contract. Majority of employed nurses and midwives, were fresh graduate while others are experienced nurses and midwives who have worked with civil servant hospitals.

Aside from the massive employment of medical personnel in the state, Governor Zulum also gave a go-ahead to State College of Nursing and Midwifery to commence their foundation program to admit 200 students based on a signed agreement. The agreement states that student admitted through the foundation will be the recipient of steady allowance on the condition of working in the state after college for a period of time and will be paid like other workers.

Soonest, Governor Zulum said the government will embark on the construction of houses for medical doctors, nurses and midwives so as to encourage productivity.

In appreciation to Gov. Zulum’s overwhelming contribution to the growth and development of public health Dr. kwayabura, Commissioner for Health, promised commitment on the part of stakeholders to work in the achievement of Governor’s vision of quality and affordable medical services.