Governor Alex Otti has revealed that the Abia State Government has uncovered a number of doctors who left the state’s employment to pursue opportunities abroad, commonly known as ‘Japa,’ yet continue to receive salaries from the state. The disclosure was made during the first Abia State Council on Health at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.
Addressing the issue under the theme “Providing an Accessible, Affordable and Quality Healthcare System for the New Abia,” Governor Otti expressed concern over the situation. He noted that ongoing efforts to digitize the Abia State civil service revealed cases of staff who had left their posts but were still receiving remuneration from the state government.
“While the criminality involved in this is going to be addressed by the relevant agencies of government, the important thing here is that we do not have the number of hands that were hitherto reported. We are working hard to fill these gaps,” Governor Otti stated.
In response to the challenges, Otti emphasized the commitment of his administration to recruit more health workers to strengthen the state’s health sector. He highlighted the administration’s focus on enhancing primary healthcare and ensuring that health facilities across the state are adequately staffed.
The Minister of Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Abia State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifenyinwa Uma-Kalu, emphasized the need for state governments to collaborate with the federal government in providing necessary infrastructure for the healthcare system.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, described the first State Council on Health as a demonstration of the commitment of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to prioritize developmental initiatives for Abia’s strategic human capital. The administration aims to fast-track socio-economic development and achieve Universal Health Coverage for all Abians.
