Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved the recruitment of 40 additional medical doctors to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state’s 17 public hospitals.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, announced the approval in Calabar, describing the recruitment as part of the administration’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services and address the shortage of medical personnel in government-owned health facilities.
According to Ayuk, the recruitment exercise will include 20 Medical Officers, 10 Senior Medical Officers and 10 Consultant Medical Specialists.
He disclosed that the vacancies would soon be advertised, while the recruitment process would be conducted by the Cross River State Civil Service Commission in accordance with established public service procedures.
The commissioner further revealed that the newly recruited doctors would benefit from the recently approved 100 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) introduced by Governor Otu for medical officers in the state’s public service.
He explained that the improved salary package is expected to enhance the welfare of healthcare professionals, attract more qualified doctors to the state and improve the retention of skilled medical personnel within the public health system.
Ayuk noted that the recruitment would ensure each of the state’s 17 public hospitals has an average of three to four medical doctors, significantly improving the quality, efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services for residents.
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He described the governor’s approval as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector through sustained investment in human resources for health.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to supporting the implementation of Governor Otu’s healthcare reforms, expressing confidence that the additional workforce would improve service delivery and health outcomes across Cross River State.
The recruitment is the latest in a series of initiatives by the Otu administration aimed at repositioning the state’s healthcare sector through improved infrastructure, enhanced welfare for health workers and expanded access to quality healthcare services.