The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared two medical doctors wanted for allegedly abandoning their posts after receiving eight years of state-funded training.
Health Commissioner, Dr. Ekem John, made the announcement at a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday, identifying the doctors as Dr. Uduakabasi Ita, Consultant Radiologist, and Dr. Mfonobong Bassey, Consultant Hematologist, both employees of the state Ministry of Health.
John said the doctors left their duty posts for “greener pastures” without serving the state to recoup the cost of their training.
He added that the government had repeatedly informed medical personnel that service obligations must be fulfilled before leaving.
“The Ministry of Health has declared them wanted. We will stop their salaries and track them until they report. If they relocate abroad, we will engage the relevant Medical and Dental Council to ensure they are blocked from practising. It is in their best interest to report to the Ministry immediately,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that moving forward, all state-trained medical officers must serve the agreed period in the state before resigning.
He urged the two doctors to either return to their duty posts or refund the cost of their training.
John praised Governor Umo Eno for declaring a state of emergency in the health sector, emphasising that the administration remains committed to building a strong healthcare system under the ARISE Agenda.
