| The auxiliary health worker is a controversial figure in Nigeria today. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to restate the government's position and to correct misunderstandings. The first misunderstanding is that the auxiliary, or "health post officer," is a Nigerian innovation. Examples of well-established auxiliary cadres from many countries disprove this. Another is that the auxiliary is new to Nigeria, whereas only the attempt to regu standardize his training is. The auxiliary is not to be considered an inferior sort of doctor. He fulfills a different function, operating within clearly defined limits, under physician supervision. He is left to his own devices only in routine or emerge proposed health post officer training course is outlined. |