In a move to address the shortage of medical doctors caused by the brain drain phenomenon, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has ordered the immediate recall of all medical doctors posted to other ministries and parastatals in different capacities across the state.
The development comes months after the governor declared a state of emergency in the health sector.
Speaking at the official opening of the State Government Pavilion at the Christmas Village on Saturday, Eno faulted the posting of medical doctors to ministries where their services are not required, saying such postings could jeopardise their professionalism and expertise.
He said that as the government continues to revamp the health sector, the need for more doctors has become critical, noting that despite the shortage, some medical professionals were currently assigned administrative duties in other ministries, a situation his administration would now correct.
“I have directed the Ministry of Health to immediately recall all medical doctors posted to other ministries in different capacities across the state.
“It is wrong to post medical doctors to ministries where they are not needed. This could make them lose their professional competence and expertise,” he said.
Moved by compassion after touring various stands by Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the Christmas Village, the governor also directed the Head of Civil Service, Elsie Peters, to offer an appointment to a young graduate and orphan, Abigail Okon.
Eno said the gesture was aimed at encouraging her and motivating others from disadvantaged backgrounds, stressing that one’s place or circumstances of birth should not determine their destiny.
“Anyhow you were born, you have a destiny. Don’t mind what people say or may say about you,” he said.
Speaking on the significance of the government pavilion, the governor described it as a platform for MDAs to showcase their products and services, adding that it would have been inappropriate for them not to participate, given the large daily turnout at the Christmas Village.
He commended the MDAs for their impressive displays and contributions towards promoting the ARISE Agenda.
Narrating her ordeal, Okon said she was born at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, and lost her mother shortly after birth.
She said her father allegedly attempted to kill her after she was labelled a witch, but instead sent her to his brother in Oron.
According to her, after several failed attempts by the uncle to kill her, she was handed over to a driver to be thrown under a bridge but was eventually dumped into a river in Oron, where she was rescued and handed over to the government.
She said she had since been under government care, completing her primary, post-primary and university education.
Okon expressed gratitude to the governor for the show of love and compassion, praying for God’s continued blessings on him and the state.
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