The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared two medical doctors wanted for allegedly abandoning their duties after receiving eight years of state-funded training.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Health, Ekem John, at a press conference in Uyo.
The doctors in question, Uduakabasi Ita, a Consultant Radiologist, and Mfonobong Bassey, a Consultant Haematologist, are both employees of the state Ministry of Health. According to the commissioner, they left their posts to pursue opportunities elsewhere without fulfilling the mandatory service period required to repay the cost of their training.
“The state government has repeatedly emphasized that medical personnel it trains are obligated to serve the state for a specified period before seeking employment elsewhere,” John stated. “The Ministry of Health has declared them wanted. Their salaries have been stopped, and we will track them until they are located. If they move abroad, we will liaise with the relevant Medical and Dental Councils to prevent them from practicing.”
The commissioner urged the families of the doctors to facilitate their immediate return to the Ministry of Health, warning that the government would not be liable once the Medical and Dental Council initiates proceedings.
He further clarified that going forward, all medical officers trained by the state must complete their agreed service period before resignation is permitted. Those who fail to comply may be required to refund the full cost of their training.
Commissioner John emphasized that the government would not allow skilled personnel to leave for “greener pastures” without first serving the people of Akwa Ibom, whose resources funded their training. He praised Governor Umo Eno for declaring a state of emergency in the health sector, noting that the ARISE Agenda positions the state for an improved healthcare system.
