Delta government seeks end to japa syndrome among doctors, nurses

The Delta State Government has disclosed plans to enact policies that would encourage doctors and nurses to stay back in Nigeria.

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The Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, stated this during the commencement of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Scheme at the University of Delta, Agbor.

Akpoveta said the upgrade of facilities at the state-owned tertiary institutions would enable students to have access to comprehensive healthcare with payment of N7,000 yearly premium and relieve them of financial burdens.

He said, “We have the resources, though there is a shortage of human resources for the health sector everywhere. Most of the doctors have gone abroad but the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has made some policies that will make doctors and nurses trained, to be retained.

“Even doctors outside to start coming to the state. Remember, as more people are coming into the scheme, the need to increase the medical manpower and facilities will also be taken care of.

“The state is upgrading health centres in its universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as part of measures to provide quality healthcare to students and staff of the institutions under the contributory health scheme.”

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Prof Stella Chiemeke said the extension of the contributory healthcare scheme to students of tertiary institutions is worthy of commendation, noting that the students will embrace the scheme.

PUNCH/Wumi