Abia Uncovers Japa Doctors Still Collecting Salaries
In a surprising revelation, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, disclosed on Thursday that the state had identified doctors who had left state employment to seek opportunities abroad, known as “japa,” but were still drawing salaries from the state.Governor Otti made this announcement during the first Abia State Council on Health at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, under the theme, “Providing an Accessible, Affordable and Quality Healthcare System for the New Abia.
“Expressing concern about the negative impact of doctors’ emigration on the state’s health sector, the governor vowed to address this issue by introducing a special welfare package for doctors starting from the next year.”The ‘japa’ syndrome has indeed taken its toll on the health sector,” Otti remarked.
“However, this administration is not leaving any stone unturned in addressing this challenge.”Governor Otti pledged to motivate healthcare workers through prompt payment of wages and improved welfare packages set to be implemented from 2024.Highlighting the administration’s commitment to bolstering the health sector, Otti affirmed plans to recruit additional health workers.
He stated, “We are in the process of recruiting new skilled birth attendants to improve healthcare service delivery in the state.”Furthermore, the ongoing digitalization of the Abia State civil service brought to light cases of staff who had left their duty posts but continued to receive remuneration. Otti assured that relevant agencies would address the associated criminality, emphasizing the need to bridge workforce gaps.
The governor underscored the strengthening of primary healthcare and the deployment of personnel across the state’s health facilities as key initiatives. He also announced efforts to provide necessary infrastructure, acknowledging the importance of state governments supporting the Federal Government in healthcare development.
The Minister of Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Abia State Ministry of Health, Dr Ifenyinwa Uma-Kalu, echoed the call for state governments to contribute to the improvement of healthcare infrastructure.
Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, the Commissioner for Health, commended the first State Council on Health, viewing it as a demonstration of Governor Otti’s commitment to prioritizing developmental initiatives that unlock the potential of Abia’s strategic human capital.Credit Punch News