Kaduna Governor Approves Recruitment of 1,800 Health Workers to Boost Primary Healthcare

A Major Step Towards Improving Primary Health Care

In a groundbreaking move to enhance healthcare delivery in Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has approved the recruitment of 1,800 health workers to fill crucial personnel gaps across Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities.

The initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to bolstering the health sector, ensuring that every resident—especially those in rural areas—has access to quality healthcare services.

The announcement was made on Thursday, March 28, 2025, through a statement issued by Kaduna’s Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmad. She emphasized that this large-scale recruitment would significantly improve the efficiency of PHC centers, enhance medical services, and reduce the rate of maternal and child mortality in the state.

“The recruitment will directly address gaps in human resources at the facilities, leading to a significant reduction in maternal and child mortalities, as well as improving the well-being of Kaduna citizens,” Hajiya Umma stated.

This initiative is expected to raise the standard of healthcare delivery in Kaduna State, making it one of the leading states in primary healthcare development in Nigeria.

Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Manpower

For years, Kaduna State has faced challenges with staff shortages in public health facilities, which has put pressure on the existing workforce. Many rural communities have struggled with limited access to doctors, nurses, and midwives, leading to overcrowded hospitals, long waiting times, and inadequate medical attention.

This recruitment drive will help fill these gaps, providing essential medical staff in primary health centers, maternity units, and rural clinics. It will also ensure that health professionals are evenly distributed across urban and remote areas, preventing the concentration of personnel in city hospitals while rural communities suffer.

With 1,800 new hires, the state government aims to:

✔️ Improve doctor-to-patient and nurse-to-patient ratios
✔️ Strengthen emergency response capabilities
✔️ Increase the number of trained midwives to reduce maternal deaths
✔️ Enhance the quality of child healthcare services

Ongoing Revitalization of 255 Primary Health Care Facilities

This recruitment drive is just one part of a broader healthcare revitalization plan under Governor Uba Sani’s administration. The government is currently working on the revitalization of 255 Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across Kaduna State.

According to Hajiya Umma Ahmad, these efforts include:

🔹 Remodeling and upgrading all PHCs to Level 2 status
🔹 Provision of state-of-the-art medical equipment
🔹 Distribution of essential drugs and vaccines
🔹 Strengthening of disease surveillance and control measures

By modernizing healthcare centers, the government aims to create an efficient and accessible health system that caters to the needs of all Kaduna residents.

Upgraded PHCs to Handle More Medical Services

With the revamp of PHCs, these facilities will be equipped to handle more complex medical cases that traditionally required referrals to secondary or tertiary hospitals. The upgraded PHCs will now provide services such as:

✅ Management of uncomplicated diabetes and hypertension
✅ Emergency resuscitation for severe asthma attacks
✅ Assisted deliveries and improved maternal care
✅ Early detection and treatment of infectious diseases
✅ Expanded immunization programs for children

This upgrade means that rural patients who previously had to travel long distances for specialized treatment will now be able to receive critical medical attention at their local PHC centers.

Governor Uba Sani’s Commitment to Healthcare Development

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Uba Sani has placed healthcare at the forefront of his administration’s development agenda.

His commitment to healthcare reform includes:

🔸 Recruiting more medical professionals to strengthen the workforce
🔸 Investing in healthcare infrastructure to modernize hospitals and clinics
🔸 Expanding access to maternal and child healthcare to reduce infant and maternal mortality
🔸 Implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness about preventive care

The Governor’s focus on the health sector reflects his understanding that a healthy population is key to sustainable development. With improved healthcare services, Kaduna State can expect better health outcomes, lower mortality rates, and enhanced quality of life for its citizens.

How This Recruitment Benefits the Kaduna Economy

Beyond the direct impact on healthcare, this recruitment drive will also have significant economic benefits for the state:

🔹 Job Creation – Employing 1,800 health workers provides new opportunities for doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and support staff.
🔹 Boosting Local Economies – Health workers stationed in rural areas will help stimulate economic growth by increasing demand for housing, food, and other services.
🔹 Better Workforce Productivity – With improved healthcare services, fewer people will suffer from preventable diseases, leading to higher productivity in workplaces.

This investment in the health sector is, therefore, a win-win situation for both healthcare development and economic growth in Kaduna State.

Public Reaction & Expectations

Since the announcement of the recruitment approval, the public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many residents and medical professionals have hailed the move as a major breakthrough for the state’s healthcare system.

Health experts have praised the Governor’s proactive approach, while citizens—especially those in rural areas—are looking forward to better medical attention at their local PHCs.

However, some health analysts have urged the government to ensure transparency in the recruitment process and guarantee that qualified professionals are hired based on merit.

Additionally, there are calls for sustained investment in training programs to continuously improve the skills and knowledge of healthcare workers.

Read also: “Governor Uba Sani Pledges Equal Opportunities for Women on International Women’s Day”

Final Thoughts: A Transformative Move for Kaduna’s Healthcare

The recruitment of 1,800 health workers is a monumental step toward strengthening the healthcare system in Kaduna State. With this initiative, Governor Uba Sani’s administration is demonstrating a strong commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare services are available to every citizen—regardless of their location or socio-economic status.

By combining workforce expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and policy reforms, Kaduna State is setting a new standard for healthcare development in Nigeria.

As these efforts continue, the state is well-positioned to become a leading model for primary healthcare in the country, improving the well-being and quality of life for all its residents.