Otti: Some Abia health workers who migrated abroad still draw salaries from government

Alex Otti, governor of Abia, says the state uncovered how some health workers who have left the country’s shores, still draw salaries from government coffers.

Otti spoke on Thursday during the first Abia state council on health, which took place at the international conference centre, Umuahia.

The theme of the meeting was: ‘Providing an Accessible, Affordable and Quality Healthcare System for the New Abia’.

Speaking at the meeting, Otti said the ‘japa’ syndrome, wherein Nigerians leave the country for greener pastures abroad, has taken a toll on the health sector.

The Abia governor said the state will ensure that the huge gaps in the health sector created by the trend of migration are addressed.

“In line with our administration’s policies of prioritising health development, I’m delighted to inform you that we are in the process of recruiting new skilled birth attendants in order to improve healthcare service delivery in the state,” Otti said.

“Furthermore, our ongoing digitalisation of Abia state civil service has uncovered some staff who have left their duty posts for greener pastures, yet still receive remuneration from the 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.

“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.”

The Abia governor said his administration will ensure that health workers are motivated to do their work.