Jigawa Government has approved the recruitment of 1,124 health workers previously engaged as casual workers under its J-Health programme.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Mr Sagir Musa disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Dutse.

He stated that the State Executive Council approved the exercise during its meeting on Thursday.

“The SEC has on Thursday 30th November, 2023 deliberated and approved the employment of 1,124 health workers (J-Health) in permanent and pensionable engagement”.

Musa explained that the approval is in line with the State Governor Umar Namadi administration’s dedication to boost access to affordable healthcare services across the state.

He noted that the council also approved N959.2 million for the payment of salaries and allowances for the 1,124 health workers.

The Commissioner cited that this include the 924 J-Health workers; 200 medical personnel, 40 medical doctors, 30 pharmacists and 20 nurses.

He pointed out that other beneficiaries include 20 biological lab scientists, 15 community health workers, 10 dental therapists, 10 physiotherapists, five medical imaging, 40 certified nurses and midwives.

Others are 10 science laboratory technicians and other relevant fields to be deploy to the 281 primary health facilities

“The confirmation of the 924 J-Health adhoc staff is, however, subject to examination to be conducted by the state Ministry of Health,” he said, adding that the council also approved the engagement of 1,000 indigenes that studied health related courses into the J-Health scheme, to replace those that gained permanent employment.