In a startling revelation, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, disclosed on Thursday that the state had identified doctors who had emigrated abroad in search of better opportunities, commonly known as ‘japa,’ but were still receiving salaries from the state. Governor Otti made this disclosure during the inaugural Abia State Council on Health held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, under the theme, “Providing an Accessible, Affordable, and Quality Healthcare System for the New Abia.”
Expressing concern over the negative impact of doctors’ emigration on the state’s health sector, Governor Otti pledged to address this trend by implementing a special welfare package for doctors starting from the year 2024. He stated, “The ‘japa’ syndrome has indeed taken its toll on the health sector; however, this administration is not leaving any stone unturned in addressing this challenge. To this end, the government has resolved to motivate our healthcare workers through prompt payment of their wages and improvement of welfare packages that we will introduce from 2024.”
Governor Otti emphasized the need to recruit more health workers to strengthen the health sector and counter the gaps created by emigrating professionals. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to digitalize the Abia State civil service, revealing that this initiative had exposed staff members who had left their duty posts for greener pastures but were still receiving remuneration from the government.
The governor affirmed his commitment to strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring that health facilities across the state were adequately staffed. He addressed the issue of staff shortages resulting from emigration and assured that measures were being taken to address the gaps.
The Minister of Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Abia State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifenyinwa Uma-Kalu, underscored the importance of state governments supporting the Federal Government by providing necessary infrastructure in the healthcare system.
Commending Otti’s administration, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, described the first State Council on Health as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to prioritizing developmental initiatives aimed at unlocking the potential of Abia’s strategic human capital.
