In a significant revelation, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has disclosed that his administration has identified doctors who have migrated abroad for better opportunities, commonly known as ‘Japa,’ but continue to receive salaries from the state government.
This disclosure was made during Otti’s address at the inaugural Abia State Council on Health held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, with the theme “Providing an Accessible, Affordable, and Quality Healthcare System for the New Abia.”
Acknowledging the adverse impact of doctors’ emigration on the state’s health sector, Governor Otti pledged to implement a special welfare package for doctors starting next year. This initiative aims to discourage the migration of healthcare professionals and improve the overall healthcare system in Abia.
Addressing the issue, Otti 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 also announced plans to recruit additional health workers to bolster the health sector in Abia. He expressed the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare service delivery and addressing gaps in personnel.
“We are in the process of recruiting new skilled birth attendants to improve healthcare service delivery in the state. Furthermore, our ongoing digitalization of the Abia State civil service has uncovered some staff that have left their duty post for greener pastures, yet still receive remuneration from the government,” Otti added.
While addressing the issue of doctors receiving salaries despite their departure, Otti assured that relevant government agencies would address the criminality involved. He emphasized the administration’s dedication to filling gaps in the workforce and enhancing primary healthcare.
The Minister of Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Abia State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifenyinwa Uma-Kalu, emphasized the importance of state governments supporting the federal government by providing necessary infrastructure in the healthcare system.
The Commissioner for Health, Ngozi Okoronkwo, lauded the inaugural State Council on Health as a testament to Otti’s administration’s commitment to prioritizing developmental initiatives that unlock the potential of Abia’s strategic human capital.
