Akwa Ibom Declares Two Doctors Wanted Over Relocation Abroad
The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared two medical doctors wanted after they allegedly abandoned their duty posts and relocated overseas despite being trained for eight years with state sponsorship.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Uyo.
“The state government has repeatedly said that any medical personnel it trains is obligated to first serve the state to cover the cost of their training before seeking opportunities abroad. The Ministry of Health has declared them wanted. Their salaries will be stopped, and we will track them until they are found,” he said.
Dr. John added that the government would notify relevant medical councils in the countries where the doctors may have relocated, with the aim of restricting their professional practice. He also appealed to the families of the doctors to prevail on them to return immediately to the Ministry of Health.
The commissioner stressed that going forward, medical officers trained with state resources must either serve their agreed tenure in Akwa Ibom or refund the investment made in their education.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for declaring a state of emergency in the health sector, noting that under the administration’s ARISE Agenda, the state remains committed to building one of the best healthcare systems in Nigeria.
