The Federal Government has taken a significant step to improve healthcare delivery by granting waivers to hospitals for the employment of health workers. The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this announcement during an official visit to the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.

According to Alausa, medical directors will receive waivers for employment from 2024. The Federal Ministry of Health will establish a waiver committee responsible for all hospitals. Each institution will determine the number of workers required, subject to checks and balances based on the budget. Furthermore, hospitals will be held accountable for maintaining the allocated number of recruits to ensure transparent and effective healthcare delivery.

Alausa emphasized that the waiver committee will promptly address requests, eliminating delays in the review process. He assured that the government and the ministry are committed to addressing the challenges faced by UCH and urged the hospital to explore alternative power sources, such as solar, to alleviate inadequate power supply.

In addition, Alausa encouraged UCH to prioritize the training of more health specialists to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. He acknowledged the efforts exerted by UCH and stressed the government’s dedication to advancing healthcare, despite acknowledging that all challenges cannot be resolved simultaneously. He highlighted the government’s unwavering support for the health sector and hospitals, aiming to ensure excellent healthcare for citizens.

This progressive move by the government underscores a clear commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and personnel, ultimately aiming to elevate the standard of healthcare services for the benefit of the populace.