The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has given approval for the recruitment of more than 700 medical and non-medical staff as part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services across the state.
Speaking at a press briefing, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, explained that this move reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the health sector, especially alongside recent upgrades to healthcare facilities.
He noted that the need for additional staff became clear due to the growing demand for healthcare services. This increase is largely driven by key developments such as the upgrade of General Hospital Warri to a Central Hospital and the near completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan. According to him, the recruitment is a proactive step to ensure that health facilities are properly staffed to meet the needs of residents.
Providing further details, Onojaeme said 295 of the new personnel will be assigned to the Hospital Management Board, while 120 will join the Delta State University Teaching Hospital. The College of Health Technology in Ovrode is expected to take in 100 staff, while Asaba Specialist Hospital and Warri Central Hospital will receive 60 and 12 personnel respectively.
He also pointed out that the recruitment is partly aimed at addressing the impact of the ongoing migration of healthcare workers—often referred to as the “Japa syndrome” which has left gaps in the workforce. He added that the government has been consistently replacing staff who leave in order to maintain stability in the system.
The Commissioner further highlighted other ongoing projects, including the nearly completed State Public Health Laboratory. He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state had to send samples to Abuja due to the lack of such a facility. He also mentioned that a new psychiatric hospital currently under construction will expand services and create a need for more skilled workers.
On the technology side, Onojaeme revealed that the state has acquired three 1.5 Tesla MRI machines, noting that these newer, helium-free systems are more affordable to maintain. He also spoke about improvements in dialysis services, with treatment costs now reduced to as low as ₦45,000 in some centres, and possibly even lower with further support.
He assured the public that the recruitment process will be transparent and based strictly on merit, with vacancies to be advertised in both national and local newspapers. The available roles will cover a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, health technologists, administrators, and support staff.
Overall, he emphasized that the initiative is expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery and outcomes across Delta State.
