The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, has raised alarm over the growing challenges in the state’s healthcare sector, primarily caused by the mass exodus of medical professionals popularly referred to as the “Jakpa syndrome.”
Dr. Onojaeme disclosed that of the 90 nurses employed across the state within the past two years, fewer than 35 remain in service, underscoring a worrying trend of attrition that has continued to undermine the state’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Speaking during a two-day seminar organized by the Delta State Government for community newspaper publishers, Onojaeme said, “The issue of Jakpa is really affecting us,” he said, lamenting how the trend has made it increasingly difficult to retain qualified personnel. “Even when we employ them, most of them are only looking for funds to facilitate their exit from the country.”
The Commissioner who was represented by his Special Assistant/Technical Adviser, Dr. Omovigho Agbele, noted that despite employing over 25 specialists, including two new surgeons last year, and recruiting over 150 staff members for primary healthcare centers, the state is still battling with a shortage of qualified manpower.
He cited an instance where a Permanent Secretary complained about a lack of doctors in her local government area. “I asked her to bring just three doctors we could employ, and for the past four months, she has struggled to find any,” he added.
As part of mitigation measures, the state government is considering long-term incentive-based retention strategies, such as providing houses and car loans to healthcare workers. “We are looking at housing schemes that can be paid off over 30 years. If they leave before that period, they lose the house,” Dr. Onojaeme said.
In addition to incentives, the state has also raised the retirement age for healthcare workers to 65 in a bid to preserve the existing workforce and avoid the added strain that mass retirements would bring.
Addressing issues of extortion and misconduct within government hospitals, the commissioner urged citizens to take advantage of established complaint channels. “The commissioner cannot be everywhere. If you observe any malpractice, report to the Medical Director or the hospital administrator. The system is there; people just need to use it,” he stressed.
He also acknowledged the need to address the functionality of some healthcare centers, attributing many of the issues to staffing gaps. On the delay in operationalizing the Agbarha-Otor General Hospital, Dr. Onojaeme explained that additional works were required upon assumption of office, including the replacement of doors and expansion of facilities.
The Commissioner concluded by calling on the public to promptly report illegal charges at healthcare centers. “Every month, provisions are made to these centers. If people report that they are being charged for items that are meant to be free, we will take action. Once we get a few culprits, others will desist,” he affirmed.
