Delta government laments exit of state health workers for overseas

• Hospitals to get equipments

The Delta State government expressed concern over the ongoing departure of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, to seek better opportunities abroad.

During a briefing after the state’s weekly executive council meeting chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Health Commissioner Joseph Onojaeme emphasized the adverse impact of this trend on the nation’s healthcare system, particularly in Delta State.

He noted the detrimental effects of the “Japa syndrome” on the health sector and announced that Governor Oborevwori had authorized the recruitment of new healthcare personnel to fill the vacancies left by those who migrated overseas.

According to the health commissioner, “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has given a standing approval for immediate replacement of essential workers lost to Japa syndrome and brain drain, the state government was committed to ensuring the health of Deltans and over N3 billion was approved for the medical equipment of 20 general hospitals across the state.”

Also speaking, the information commissioner, Ifeanyi Osuoza, flanked by the Commissioner for Works (rural and riverine roads), Charles Aniagwu, his higher education, health counterparts, Nyerovwo Tonukari, Joseph Onojaeme and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon, listed the hospitals to benefit from the N3 billion equipment to include general hospitals at Obiaruku, Abraka, Ekpan, Owa-Alero, Okwe, Koko, Orerokpe, Otu-Jeremi, Burutu, Abavo, Owa-Oyibu, Issele-Uku, Ibusa, Aviara, Onicha-Olona, Ofagbe, Aboh, Ashaka, Kiagbodo and Eku Baptist Government Hospital.