In an effort to strengthen the healthcare sector, the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has commenced recruitment with a two-day Computer-Based Test for 16,000 shortlisted applicants for various positions.
The recruitment drive, according to the state was the part of the government’s efforts to address the manpower needs of the healthcare sector in Oyo State, and to improve the quality of healthcare services available to citizens.
The Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who monitored the exercise at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Center, Ajibode, on Thursday, said the recruitment exercise was significant, as it would help to bridge the human resource gap facing the primary health sector.
“16,000 applicants put in for the exercise and Governor Seyi Makinde approved 30 per cent of the recruitment for the first batch, while subsequent exercises will take care of the remaining batches.
“The recruitment exercise will take care of the different categories of workers needed at the primary healthcare centres such as community health extension workers, pharmacy technicians, community health workers, and medical officers of health, among others.
“Their recruitment will further promote quality healthcare delivery in the state,” he said.
The Chairman of the state House of Assembly Committee on Health, Saminu Badamosi, applauded Makinde for approving the recruitment exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the state PHC Board, Olatunji Muyideen, said the minimum service package document which was prepared by the board revealed a huge gap in the human resource aspect, which prompted the governor to approve the recruitment exercise.
He said the current administration had renovated and fully equipped about 264 PHCs across the state, hence the need to employ people to work at the various health centres.
Muyideen said the candidates writing the examination applied since 2021, adding that the CBT was the first step to be followed by an oral interview.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has assured that the recruitment process will be transparent and merit-based, with equal opportunities for all qualified applicants.