All is set for the engagement of 60 Nurses and midwives by the Cross River State Government to compliment the efforts of the existing work force in offering quality and improved services across major facilities in the state as screening commences for potential employees.
The recruitment exercise which is part of periquisite requirements for the engagement of health workers will subsequently enhance professionalism and match competence with global best practices in Cross River State.
The recruitment which is part of criteria for the commencement of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund services will boost the confidence of clients who seek services in major health facilities in the state as encompassed in the Social Health Insurance Scheme “Ayade Care” guideline.
Shortly before the commencement of the screening, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong representated by the Director community and family health SPHCDA, Mrs Sally Enyim urged the screening panel to shun every act of bias and favoritism before, during and after the process.
She said, Cross Riverians deserve the best health workers in all facilities, noting that, the era of “Man know Man” and recommendation of unqualified hands are over in the state as she urged them to leave a legacy which they will be remembered for even after the duration of their service years.
She urged those short listed to be of good conducts and maintain high level of integrity adding that, every form of misconduct and unprofessional practices will attract sanctions and perpetual termination of their appointments.
“Today, history is being made again as we are set to engage 60 fresh hands into our health system, they comprises of Nurses and Midwives who will help in some of our mother facilities across the 18 Local Government Areas of our state.
As part of the mandatory requirements for the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund services, which afford us opportunities to compliment our work force with new and competent Midwives, these 60 who will be shortlisted from hundreds of applications received all through the application period.
I have urged the panel to be meticulous and transparent in the screening process as we can’t afford to ride on the shoulders of bias and sentiment in selecting professionals In a field where trial and error is not acceptable.
For those who will be successful, I wish them success in their new roles and I want to advise them to be deligent in their duties as the state will not hesitate to terminate their appointments if any report of unprofessional conduct is filled against them
They must work with the community, the Ward development committee, traditional, women, youth and religious leaders to ensure that, antenatal services among other services receive full patronage in the facilities they are to be posted to.
The Government of Senator Ben Ayade and the Support of His dear wife, Dr Linda Ayade has prioritized health care as visible in the numerous innovations in the health sector in recent years.
Speaking on behalf of the Nurses, President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Cross River State Chapter, Mrs Josephine Bassey Praised the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong for the level of transparency in the screening.
According to her , “Nurses have never had it this good and nice in the state “pointing out the numerous departments being headed by nurses in the State Primary Healthcare Agency and the relevance it has brought to the profession especially the younger ones
She said, the association will continue to monitor the conducts of its members especially those in rural facilities to ensure that, the aim and policies of Government are implemented in full capacity.
Those on the screening committee included seasoned nurses and administrators including, Director Nursing services ministry of health, Mrs Pauline Obute, Director community and family health SPHCDA, Mrs Sally Enyim, Chairman NATIONAL Association of Nigeria nurses and Midwives NANMN, Mrs Josephine Bassey, BHCPF focal person, Mrs Ekaete Ekpenyong and Mrs Grace Utiung, the state Nutrition Officer.
All screened and approved Nurses will be posted to their communities where they can influence decision making process and influence their people on the patronage of Health Facilities.
