The Abia State government said it has discovered that some doctors who left the state for greener pastures abroad are still collecting salaries

Governor Alex Otti announced this on December 21, 2023 at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia

Otti revealed that the ongoing digitalization of the state’s civil service has exposed the presence of these “ghost doctors” on the payroll, drawing undeserved remuneration despite their absence

“The ‘japa’ syndrome has indeed taken its toll on the health sector; however this administration is not leaving any stone unturned in addressing this challenge”

He noted that to end the ‘japa s.yndrome, the government has resolved to motivate its healthcare workers through prompt payment of their wages and the improvement of welfare packages that we will introduce in 2024

The governor also stated that his administration plans to hire more healthcare workers to strengthen the healthcare system.