By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Ondo State Hospitals Management Board has hit back at the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives over its reported opposition to the employment of Community Health Extension Workers in the state’s public health facilities.
The acting chairman of the board, Dr Akeredolu Oluwafemi Nehemiah, described NANNM’s reaction as misplaced and accused the association of attempting to assume powers beyond its mandate.
Akeredolu said the state government’s latest recruitment exercise had been widely welcomed by members of the public, noting that beneficiaries had expressed appreciation through letters and public comments.
He said the exercise was carried out without inducement and represented a major effort by the state government to strengthen its workforce.
On the controversy surrounding CHEWs, the HMB chairman said NANNM had no basis to determine which categories of professionals could be recruited into government hospitals.
He explained that professional associations could have their respective employment quotas, but none should seek to prevent other qualified health workers from being recruited.
Akeredolu also dismissed the characterisation of CHEWs as quacks, stressing that they are trained health professionals with licences and operate within a regulated framework.
He said the contribution of CHEWs to primary healthcare should not be undermined by professional disagreements, just as nurses are permitted to work across different levels of the healthcare system.
According to him, cooperation among health professionals is essential to an effective healthcare system, and nurses should also be prepared to accommodate the roles of other recognised professionals.
The HMB acting chairman further pointed to what he described as significant achievements recorded by the administration in the health sector, particularly in 2026.
He said the government would not allow any professional association to act as though it possessed powers beyond its legitimate responsibilities.
Akeredolu assured nurses under the Hospitals Management Board that their interests and rights would be protected, but warned that the board would not tolerate professional rivalry capable of disrupting the health system.
He questioned the effectiveness of NANNM chairman, Mr Orobode, who he said works at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, in preventing the recruitment of CHEWs, even at the tertiary healthcare level.
Akeredolu said the development further demonstrated the need for professional groups to respect the roles of other health workers and avoid unnecessary confrontation.
He called for greater collaboration among healthcare professionals, stressing that the ultimate objective should be improved healthcare delivery and the welfare of patients across Ondo State.
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