Kwara moves to discourage Japa syndrome among medical experts
The Kwara state government, through the Ministry of Health, has said it is making efforts to discourage “Japa” syndrome in the State by putting all the necessary things to discourage travelling abroad for a better offer among the health practitioners
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, made this known on Wednesday when she received the National leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria in her office.
According to her, “As part of the efforts of the present administration in Kwara State to encourage medical practitioners, Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq has approved the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund and other incentives, to encourage those who want to stay back, rather than running to foreign western countries, for greener pastures.”
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Dr El-Imam stressed further that “Governor AbdulRazaq led administration is working tirelessly at ensuring that all state residents, particularly medical practitioners, excel in their chosen career, to stem the tide of “Japa Syndrome” in the state.”
However, the Health Commissioner appealed to the visiting body to recognise the efforts of the Governor by prevailing on members of the association, to be patient with the current dispensation and remain hopeful, adding that “other few obstacles are surmountable.”
Earlier in his remarks, the National President, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, informed the Commissioner that they were in the state for the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting, therefore commended the State Government for building and remodelling medical facilities across the state, to enhance delivery of quality healthcare services.
Prof Aminu, who acknowledged that the problem of human resources shortage in general, called for deliberate efforts to stem the tide.
He also appealed to the government to “work hard to reverse the “Japa Syndrome,” with more incentives for medical practitioners, such as considering members of the association in the new layout and other benefits. This will no doubt encourage us to stay in the interest of all.
