The Kaduna state government has announced plans to recruit an additional 9,000 health personnel over the next five years.

Information commissioner Ahmed Maiyaki disclosed this on Sunday at a one-day media engagement meeting. It was organised by the Kaduna Contributory Health Insurance Authority, in collaboration with Lafiya: UK-Nigeria Partnership for a Healthier Future.

“Governor Uba Sani recently gave the approval for the immediate recruitment of 1,800 health workers under various categories,” said Mr Maiyaki. “This no-mean-feat will be replicated in the next five years, with a view to bolstering the state’s health workforce.”

Mr Maiyaki further maintained that the governor had prioritised the health sector since 2023 to date.

“He has made health not a priority but a right for all the citizens of the state. He is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the realisation of this invaluable objective,” stated the commissioner. “Universal health coverage is key to the Sani-led administration, and he has ensured the health sector’s budget is well above the national average of 15 per cent.”

According to the commissioner, the governor had also significantly improved the salaries of health workers, thereby attracting more personnel to the state.

Mr Maiyaki said, “Doctors and other health workers are now rushing back to the state’s health sector. Kaduna state is leading the nineteen Northern States in this direction.”

(NAN)