The Akwa Ibom State government has announced that two doctors are now considered wanted for leaving their jobs after receiving eight years of training paid for by the state.
During a press conference in Uyo, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, explained that the doctors, Dr. Uduakabasi Ita, a consultant radiologist, and Dr. Mfonobong Bassey, a consultant hematologist, did not fulfill their agreement to work in the state before seeking jobs elsewhere.
Dr. John emphasized that the government’s policy requires all medical staff trained by the state to serve for a certain number of years in return for their education.
According to him, the state will take steps to stop the doctors from getting their salaries and will try to track them down.
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“If they attempt to work in another country, the state will inform the relevant medical councils there to prevent them from practicing without fulfilling their commitment,” the commissioner said.
He urged the doctors to return to their jobs in Akwa Ibom State or to pay back the money the state spent on their training.
The commissioner made it clear that the government will protect its investments in its medical personnel and will not allow them to leave for better opportunities without first serving the people of the state.
Furthermore, he praised Governor Umo Eno for declaring a state of emergency in the health sector, expressing optimism that the state would establish a strong healthcare system under the current administration’s plans.
