Non-Clinical healthcare workers are becoming increasingly important for patient engagement and care coordination. These workers perform a variety of clinical assistance and administrative tasks, and like all healthcare staff should be working at their full level of competence in order to achieve the aim of improving healthcare experience and outcomes.
The performance and benefits the healthcare system can deliver depends largely on the knowledge, skills and motivation of the individuals responsible for delivering health services. COVID-19 Pandemic showed glaringly that human resource for the healthcare sector in Nigeria is lacking and of huge concern. It became obvious that something drastic needed to be done especially with the recent “japa” syndrome also known as the “brain drain of medical professionals”.
Preventive Health Managers launched a training program for support staff in the healthcare sector. The program was keenly contested for, with about 600 applications to choose from. However, only 100 beneficiaries were selected through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) application portal.
The training lasted for 8 weeks, graduating 2 cohorts with a faculty of about 25 each. Each holding from 15th of March, 2021 to 7th of May, 2021 and 7th of June, 2021 to 30th of July 2021. The focus areas during the training were Healthcare Customer Service; Digital Marketing; Infection Prevention, Control and Quality Management in Healthcare. The training was at no cost to the participants, as it was fully funded by The United States African Development fund (USADF). Also, the participants were given transport stipends and internship stipend for the top 50%.
The program came to a successful end with a graduation ceremony on the 19th August, 2021 at the Folawiyo Bankole Hall, Surulere, Lagos. Some of the prominent personalities who graced the occasion include, Dr. Ore Finnih – Senior special Adviser (SSA) on Health to Lagos State Governor, Dr. Tunji Adenekan – Chairman, National Medical Association (NMA) Lagos, Dr. Tolu Olufunlayo – Chairman, Association of Public Health Physician (APHP), Dr. Ibironke Sodeinde – President, Medical Womens’ Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Lagos, Dr. Omowunmi Bakare – Public health physician, LASUTH and Mr. Tope Akinbola – Clergy.
Following the training program, about 50% of the beneficiaries have been placed on a 3-month internship with organizations such as Synlab, Optimal Cancer Foundation, Pinecrest Hospital, Chrisland Schools etc.
Preventive Health Managers advocates for continuous training for both clinical and non-clinical staff for better outcomes in the Nigerian healthcare sector.
About Author:
Tonbra Warri is a graduate of Economics Education, certified in Social Media and Digital Marketing.
Currently, a Social Media Manager with Preventive Health Managers and Market Doctors.
