A Technical Working Group (TWG) to address critical human resource gaps in the health sector and contribute innovative ideas to strengthen the State's health systems has been set up by the Ogun State government.

Inaugurating the group in Abeokuta, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker said the State government had resolved that a sector-wide approach was necessary to address the challenges in Human Resources for Health (HRH).

Coker stated that the group comprises key stakeholders, including representatives from the government, health sector, civil society organisations, and development partners, emphasising that transformation of human resources for health in the State was best achieved by having all hands on deck.

She lamented the shortage of human resources in hospitals and health service delivery in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government as a result of the current migration of medical practitioners to foreign countries, saying this could limit the sustainability of the recent strides recorded by the State government in the health sector.

The Commissioner said the problem could only be solved through collaboration among various stakeholders in the sector, adding that the newly inaugurated group should come up with innovative solutions to effectively manage human resources for health in the State.

‘’ I want you to immediately develop a work plan and prioritise your activities, because we need to improve the human resource for the health situation in Ogun State particularly, and Nigeria at large’’, Dr. Coker charged.

In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, described human resources as crucial to the government's endeavour at improving healthcare delivery, saying investment in health infrastructure and equipment must be complemented with investment in human resources.

 The Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, Ogun State Branch, Dr. Kunle Ashimi, said the creation of the sector-wide think tank was long overdue, adding that it was essential for all stakeholders in the TWG to come up with innovative ideas that would help create a conducive environment for health workers to discharge their duties efficiently, thereby ensuring their retention in the country.