Delta State Tackles ‘Japa’ Exodus with Strategic Healthcare Investments – Comm
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, announced on Tuesday that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is employing a comprehensive approach to curb the “japa” syndrome—the migration of health professionals abroad—in state-owned hospitals. Dr Onojaeme’s remarks followed a report titled “’Japa’ Sweeps Nigeria’s Hospitals,” highlighting the ongoing exodus of health workers from Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Dr Onojaeme explained that, to retain healthcare talent, Delta State offers competitive salaries that exceed those paid by the Federal Government and other states, including the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with medical allowances remaining untaxed for doctors. “Delta and the Federal Government are the only entities paying the revised CONMESS to medical personnel nationwide,” he noted, adding that Governor Oborevwori is firmly committed to retaining health workers by addressing both wages and workplace conditions.
In a proactive measure, the governor has also authorised an Executive Order to enable the immediate replacement of doctors and health personnel who depart for overseas opportunities, streamlining recruitment processes to bypass the typical bureaucratic delays associated with public service hiring.
“Governor Oborevwori is determined to encourage medical and health workers to stay in the country,” Dr Onojaeme stated. “While he addresses salary concerns, he’s equally focused on upgrading infrastructure, equipment, and the working conditions for our healthcare professionals.”
Recent state investments include approvals for CT scans at Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara and the Central Hospital in Warri. Moreover, the administration is overseeing a comprehensive rehabilitation of hospitals and health centres across Delta, a move intended to improve working environments for health workers and enhance patient care.
By implementing competitive wages, investing in critical infrastructure, and simplifying personnel replacement, the Delta State Government is setting a precedent in the retention and support of health professionals, ensuring a robust healthcare system amidst nationwide challenges.
