The Ondo State Government has revealed that it is on a drive to absorb doctors and nurses as well as other healthcare professionals seeking employment in the state in order to bolster the gaps in the health sector.

According to the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, the move became imperative following the ongoing revitalisation and upgrading of the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 203 wards of the state.

Odimayo, who stated this during the unveiling of Non-State Actor (NSA) for the IMPACT Malaria Project in Akure, the state capital, disclosed that the incentives for health workers in the state are on par with the federal government.

The governor’s aide, who assured that the non-state actors have demonstrated determination to complement the efforts of both the Ondo State Government and other stakeholders in fighting malaria, commended efforts in the provision of accessible health care for the populace.

He said: “We can say that with the ongoing revitalisation, upgrading and renovation that is going on, that also has resulted in us having a constant vacancy for doctors, nurses and other health care workers. So it is open and ongoing.

“If you have doctors and nurses that are looking for jobs, please let them come to Ondo State. The governor has graciously approved that payment of health workers in the state is in line with what is approved by the federal government.

“There is peace in Ondo State; it is one of the most peaceful parts of this country. They should come to Ondo State and support us in our healthcare delivery services.

“The governor is actually not resting on his oars, as recruitment of more health workers is in progress just as training and re-training are also made a priority.”

On his part, the project coordinator of the IMPACT Malaria Project, Dr Waheed Abolaji Afolayan, who analysed the various efforts put in place to arrive at the selection of the non-state actors, assured that members are committed to curbing malaria in the state, noting that efforts will be intensified on awareness creation on available services and where to get such services.

Afolayan noted that the availability of anti-malaria commodities has increased patronage in the health facilities in the state.