Just in: Public health professionals slam FG over continued marginalization

DDM News

A passionate call has been made to the Federal Government to formally recognize public health professionals in Nigeria’s Federal Scheme of Service.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the appeal came from Yusuf Taofiq Omotosho, a public health practitioner with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.

In an open letter dated June 22, 2025, Omotosho addressed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja.

He lamented the continued exclusion of public health cadres from the federal government’s scheme of service structure.

He warned that this oversight has led to widespread challenges for thousands of qualified public health graduates across the country.

The letter emphasized that public health has become even more critical in the wake of global pandemics, emerging diseases, and chronic health threats.

Omotosho argued that public health professionals are indispensable in disease prevention, policy development, community engagement, and emergency health response.

He highlighted that graduates with degrees, diplomas, and certificates in public health work across all tiers of the health system.

According to him, they serve in teaching hospitals, primary and secondary healthcare centres, public health laboratories, research institutions, and international donor-supported programs.

He expressed frustration that despite these contributions, public health officers are regularly excluded from recruitment, promotion, and formal recognition.

The letter identified five major consequences of this exclusion.

These include high unemployment, career stagnation, professional demoralization, inefficiency in health programs, and a rise in unregulated practice.

Omotosho also questioned why related health professions like Nursing, Pharmacy, and Medical Laboratory Science are fully integrated, while public health remains sidelined.

He described the situation as both unjust and damaging to the national healthcare system.

He appealed to the Head of Service to lead efforts toward the full recognition of public health as a distinct professional cadre.

The letter called for the establishment of clear career progression structures for public health officers, technicians, technologists, educators, and program managers.

He further urged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt the new structure for effective engagement of public health personnel in national service.

Omotosho stressed the need for Nigeria to align with international best practices, where public health is recognized, regulated, and supported.

He said the inclusion of public health cadres would boost national capacity in surveillance, disease control, and community-based health promotion.

In his concluding remarks, he appealed to the conscience and leadership of the Head of Service to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness.

Omotosho believes such reform would create a legacy of justice, inclusiveness, and health sector renewal in Nigeria.

He signed the letter and made his contact information public, showing transparency and willingness to engage further on the matter.

Contact Information:

Name: Yusuf Taofiq Omotosho

Profession: Public Health Practitioner

Institution: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Phone: +2347038973489, 08134969149

Email: taofeeqyusuf@gmail.com

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