The Jigawa government has approved the recruitment of 1,124 health workers previously engaged as casual workers under its J-Health programme.

The government disclosed this in a statement by Sagir Musa, the information commissioner, on Friday in Dutse.

The statement said the State Executive Council (SEC) approved the recruitment during its meeting on Thursday to add 1,124 health workers “in permanent and pensionable engagement.”

According to the statement, the approval aligns with Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to enhance access to affordable healthcare services across Jigawa.

It said the council also approved N959.2 million to pay salaries and allowances for the 1,124 health workers, including 924 J-Health workers, 200 medical personnel, 40 medical doctors, 30 pharmacists and 20 nurses.

He listed other beneficiaries to include 20 biological lab scientists, 15 community health workers, 10 dental therapists, 10 physiotherapists, five medical imaging, 40 certified nurses and midwives.

Others are 10 science laboratory technicians and other relevant fields to be deployed to the 281 primary health facilities.

“The confirmation of the 924 J-Health ad hoc staff is, however, subject to examination to be conducted by the state ministry of health,” he said, adding that the council also approved the engagement of 1,000 indigenes that studied health-related courses into the J-Health scheme, to replace those that gained permanent employment.

(NAN)