Niger State doctors reject rural postings, government warns against reposting requests
More than 70 percent of medical doctors and other health workers in Niger State have rejected postings to rural areas after receiving their employment letters. Dr. Murtala Bagana, the state Commissioner of Health, stated this during an orientation for 396 Gavi-Supported Staff being absorbed into the Niger State Civil Service. Bagana indicated that the government will no longer entertain excuses from health workers seeking reposting to urban areas after employment, noting a mal-distribution of healthcare workers. He warned that health workers are not immune to queries or dismissal for misconduct, as many others are awaiting employment. Bagana assured that the state government would provide necessary equipment and a conducive environment for the new employees. Dr. Junaidu Inuwa, Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, mentioned plans to recruit more ad-hoc workers and integrate them into the civil service. Inuwa noted a workforce shortfall, which the governor has pledged to address by engaging sufficient health workers to staff all Primary Health Centers across the state. He added that Governor Umaru Bago recruited 100 health workers, with a significant number deployed to PHC facilities, and there is an arrangement with the Federal Ministry of Health to engage 384 ad-hoc staff to be absorbed over three years. The governor also assured that the state will engage at least 200 health workers every two years.
