Stakeholders, especially, in the health sector have been called upon to join hands with the Dr. Alex Otti-led administration to rebuild the health sector of the state for effective and efficient healthcare delivery.
The Secretary to the Abia State Government Professor Kenneth Kalu, represented by the Commissioner for Health Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, made this call during the Biennial General and Scientific Meeting of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria Federal Medical Center, Umuahia chapter held at the FMC chapel, Umuahia.
Prof. Kalu, who described the theme for this year’s Meeting “JAPA SYNDROME: DEPLETING THE FAMISHED HEALTH WORKFORCE IN NIGERIA” as apt, pointed out that the Japa Syndrome has become a malady that has undermined the nation’s economy and sociology.
The SSG who further explained that the Japa Syndrome is not restricted to the health sector, revealed that experts and other skilled workers from other works of life have been seen leaving the country in the search of greener pastures.
The State Chief Scribe who expressed sadness over the mayhem caused by this syndrome, called on the experts to come up with effective and comprehensive ways to manage the Japa Syndrome while highlighting some of the interventions by the state Government to include, declaration of state of emergency on health sector, addressing some of the major conditions that cause and sustain haemorrhage in the health sector, launching of an ambitious programme to refurbish and retrofit health facilities across the state, among others.
While expressing hope that a stable and efficient health sector can still be achieved, the secretary to the state Government called for the support of all to the present administration, even as he declared the event open
Earlier in his address, the Chief host and Medical Director of Federal Medical Center Umuahia Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi lauded Governor Alex Otti for his effort in reforming the health sector and used the opportunity to call for collective action and commitment from all stakeholders, in addressing the the “JAPA Syndrome ” to protect the health system from total collapse.
In his welcome address, the chairman Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria FMC Chapter, Dr Ibrahim Sumaila explained that the event is held every two years to review the medical practices based on best practice to update the members on current practices as well as brainstorm on their challenges and chart a way forward.
The event featured lecture on X-Raying The Health Status of Abians -Past, Present and The Way Forward by Associate Prof. Ugochukwu Onyeonoro and was attended by stakeholders in the health sector.
