Vacancy: Tinubu approves health program for 774 LGs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, announced the establishment of the National Health Fellows Programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering primary healthcare delivery across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

The announcement was made through a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, titled “President Tinubu Approves Establishment of National Health Fellows Programme.”

Program Overview

The National Health Fellows Programme is designed to engage young Nigerian professionals to monitor and enhance the performance of health facilities funded by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). The fellows will be trained, compensated, and equipped with the necessary tools to ensure effective oversight of healthcare services in their respective local government areas.

“This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to upgrading existing primary healthcare centres and constructing over 8,800 new facilities nationwide,” the statement read. The program is expected to introduce robust accountability mechanisms to ensure the efficient delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.

Key Responsibilities of Fellows

The statement further outlined the roles of the health fellows, describing them as fiduciary agents tasked with tracking the development and performance of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). Their work will focus on evaluating financial inflows and ensuring transparency in healthcare delivery.

The program will be housed under the Sector Wide Approach Coordination Office, managed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

A Call to Action for Nigerian Health Workers

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of investing in the nation’s healthcare workforce. In his December 2023 unveiling of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, Tinubu appealed to Nigerian health workers practicing abroad to return home and contribute to the development of the health sector.

As the African Union Champion for Human Resources in Healthcare, Tinubu reaffirmed his faith in young Nigerians to drive this critical initiative. He emphasized that the fellows’ work, including daily monitoring and tracking of healthcare reforms, would usher in a new era of world-class healthcare services for all Nigerians.

Eligibility Requirements for the Fellowship

Applicants for the National Health Fellows Programme must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: Must be between 25 and 35 years old.
2. Education: Bachelor’s degree in health-related fields, IT, or social sciences.
3. Experience: Demonstrable interest or experience in public health, health-related NGOs, partner organizations, or community projects that showcase leadership and initiative.
4. Availability: Candidates must be available for full-time participation in the program.
5. Indigene Status: Must be an indigene of the state being applied for.
6. Technical Requirements: Candidates must possess smartphones with data capabilities (e.g., for WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.).
7. Recommendations: A recommendation from a university dean, NYSC place of primary assignment, or a reputable organization attesting to the candidate’s character and leadership.
8. Skills: Demonstrated analytical abilities and entrepreneurial drive.

Application Deadline and Process

Applications are currently open and will close on 27th January 2025. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply promptly to secure their positions in this transformative initiative.

Global Significance

The announcement coincided with World Health Day 2024, themed “Health For All.” The initiative aligns with global efforts to achieve universal health coverage and demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and accountability.

See the link here: https://healthfellows.ng

Conclusion

The National Health Fellows Programme is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Nigeria, empowering young professionals to take active roles in nation-building while ensuring equitable healthcare for all. With President Tinubu’s leadership and strategic investments, the future of healthcare in Nigeria looks promising.