Anambra Primary Healthcare Executive Apologizes Over Misleading, Discriminatory Job Advertisement
By Machi Pius Igwe
Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency Executive Secretary, Pharm Chisom Uchem, issued an apology on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, on behalf of the agency for a recent discriminatory job advertisement. The advertisement wrongly restricted the vacant position to only Anambra State indigenes.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Health office in Awka, Pharm Chisom expressed deep regret for her error, acknowledging the contradiction between her poor judgment and the non-discriminatory principles upheld by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
She acknowledged that the publication conveyed a sense of tribalism and discrimination in public service employment and appointment, which goes against the ideology and values embraced by the Soludo-led Anambra State Government. This incident is at odds with the recent employment of 5000 teachers, training of an additional 5000 youths under the One Youth Two Skills initiative, and other merit-based employment opportunities offered by the administration regardless of religion, ethnicity, or tribe.
Pharm Chisom assured that this unfortunate incident does not reflect the ethical values of the people of Anambra State, and she has taken immediate measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, also emphasized that the job advertisement contradicts Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR’s mission, vision, and manifesto. Moreover, he highlighted that Governor Soludo has always championed unity, inclusivity, and peace among all residents of Anambra, regardless of their tribe, nationality, or religion.
Dr. Obidike further stated that the state government is committed to employing the most qualified candidates to ensure effective service delivery for all citizens. He emphasized that competence, experience, and dedication are vital criteria for state recruitment, as demonstrated in the recent employment of approximately 300 healthcare workers.
Furthermore, he pointed out that even non-indigenes, such as Chief Press Secretary Christian Aburime, SSA New Media Mazi Ejimofor Opara, and former SSA on IGR, have been appointed to the Solution Team.
Dr. Obidike commended Governor Soludo for his health initiatives for the people of Anambra. He mentioned that all 325 Primary Health Centres in Anambra are currently being renovated and that around 500 health workers will be employed in the upcoming transparent and merit-based recruitment process.
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