Abia Uncovers 'Japa' Doctors Still Receiving Salaries
The government of Abia State discovers "japa" doctors who are still receiving pay
According to the Abia State government, it has found that some doctors who left the state for better opportunities overseas are still receiving their salaries.
During the State Council on Health on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti made this announcement.
Otti disclosed that the continuous digitization of the state's civil service has revealed these "ghost doctors" to be on the payroll and receiving unjust compensation even though they are not present.
“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,” Otti declared.
He stated that the government has made the decision to improve welfare packages that we will implement in 2024 and to promptly pay healthcare workers' wages in order to put an end to the ‘japa’ syndrome.
In order to improve the healthcare system, the governor also announced that his administration intends to hire more healthcare professionals.
“We are in the process of recruiting new skilled birth attendants to improve healthcare service delivery in the state. Furthermore, our ongoing digitalisation 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,” he disclosed.
The relevant government agencies will deal with the criminality involved in this, Otti continued, adding that “the important thing here is that we do not have the number of hands that were hitherto reported.” Efforts are being made to bridge these gaps.
Governor Otti's views were echoed by the Minister of Health, who was represented by Dr. Ifenyinwa Uma-Kalu, Permanent Secretary of the Abia State Ministry of Health.
Uma-Kalu emphasized the significance of state governments aiding the federal government in its endeavors to enhance the infrastructure of healthcare.
The council, according to State Commissioner for Health Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, is evidence of the administration's dedication to making healthcare development a top priority. The attainment of Universal Health Coverage for all Abians was emphasized by her.
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