Governor Otti’s Pledge: Addressing Doctors’ ‘Japa’ Syndrome in Abia State

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State addressed the challenges faced by the state’s health sector during the first Abia State Council on Health.

He highlighted the issue of doctors leaving the state for opportunities abroad while still receiving salaries, a phenomenon known as ‘japa.’

Otti pledged to address this by enhancing welfare packages for healthcare workers starting in 2024 and emphasized plans to recruit more skilled health professionals to strengthen the sector.

Additionally, the government’s digitalization efforts revealed staff receiving salaries despite being absent, a matter to be addressed by relevant agencies. The commitment to fortify primary healthcare and ensure staff presence in health facilities across the state was reiterated.

The Minister of Health stressed the need for state governments to support the healthcare system, while the Commissioner for Health applauded the administration’s focus on prioritizing developmental initiatives to leverage Abia’s human capital.