ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, has declared a firm stance against corruption within the state’s health sector, specifically targeting malpractice in nursing schools.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Onojaeme revealed ongoing efforts to combat entrenched corruption and sabotage following the removal of key individuals from the system.
He outlined several recent actions taken to root out corruption and restore integrity.
“There is a lecturer who was caught collecting money for grades,” Dr. Onojaeme revealed. “We are transferring him from the Agbor School of Nursing and setting up a panel to investigate. If found guilty, he will face severe consequences. We don’t take the issue of corruption lightly.”
He also mentioned the removal of a provost at Asaba for occupying a position without proper qualifications.
“When I returned from Abuja after meeting with the Registrar of the Nursing Council, I stepped down the provost,” he said.
“We don’t tolerate extortion from students; it goes against the M-O-R-E Agenda.”
Addressing allegations of widespread corruption, Dr. Onojaeme stated, “Since certain key individuals were removed, there have been attempts to sabotage our efforts. But we are committed to cleaning the Augean stable.”
He emphasized the need to break the culture of students paying for grades, saying this culture is what is part of the problem that still exist in the colleges.
“Students must now study to pass their exams. We will not tolerate the old system of payments for passing, as the medical profession demands high standards. We are producing future healthcare professionals who must be competent.”
Dr. Onojaeme highlighted the achievements of the Health Ministry over the past year, including a significant reduction in maternal and child mortality rates and the removal of over 200 ghost workers from the Delta State University Teaching Hospital’s payroll after an audit. He also noted improved welfare packages for health personnel.
The ministry is demanding that over 200 absentee doctors and nurses repay their salaries. “We have lost fifty percent of our doctors and nurses to emigration,” Dr. Onojaeme said.
“The discovery of ghost workers was a major breakthrough.”
Commending the government’s efforts, National Association of Nurses and Midwives Chairman Comrade Philomena Onokpuvie called for continued collaboration between the government, health professionals, and administrators to address these challenges effectively.
