Akwa Ibom Government declared two state-trained doctors wanted for abandoning their posts without notice.
Officials vowed strict action to recover training costs and enforce mandatory local service commitments.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared two medical doctors wanted for allegedly abandoning their posts after being trained at the state’s expense for eight years.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, announced the decision during a press briefing in Uyo on Tuesday.
According to John, the two doctors Uduakabasi Ita, a Consultant Radiologist, and Mfonobong Bassey, a Consultant Hematologist are employees of the state Ministry of Health. He said they left their positions for opportunities abroad without fulfilling their mandatory service period, which was intended to repay the government’s investment in their training.
John explained that Akwa Ibom had a standing policy requiring all state-trained health professionals to serve locally for an agreed period before pursuing careers elsewhere.
He warned that the Ministry of Health would take firm measures against the absconding doctors, including halting their salaries, notifying relevant regulatory bodies, and pursuing legal avenues to ensure compliance.
The commissioner advised the two doctors to report immediately to the Ministry of Health, urging their families to reach out to them as well. He emphasized that once formal complaints are lodged with medical councils in other countries, the state may no longer be able to intervene on their behalf.
John added that, going forward, every medical officer trained under government sponsorship will be required to complete the agreed service years before being allowed to resign or leave. Otherwise, they will be asked to refund the full cost of their training.
He stressed that the government cannot allow its most skilled personnel to exit public service for “greener pastures” without first giving back to the people whose resources financed their education.
The commissioner also commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing healthcare under the ARISE Agenda and for declaring a state of emergency in the health sector, noting that Akwa Ibom is on track to develop one of the strongest health systems in the country.
