Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has given the approval to fill all the vacancies created by medical officers who resigned to seek greener pastures abroad.
The governor, stated this while addressing the opening session of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Leadership Retreat on Wednesday in Asaba.
Okowa, however, said that improvement in emolument and working environment would reverse the preponderance of brain-drain of medical personnel from the country.
He expressed optimism that resolutions from the NEC meeting, with the theme “Doctors and Effective Leadership in the Health Sector” would also proffer more solutions to resolving the issue and others plaguing the medical profession and healthcare delivery.
According to Okowa, it is painful that people are leaving the country due to poor conditions.
“We cannot stop them, but the vacancies created by such exits should be filled.
“I have given the approval that they should be replaced so that we don’t over-labour those left behind.
“I have long given approval to the Commissioner for Health that all doctors and medical professionals who exited the services of the state should be replaced immediately.
“No doubt, the economic fortunes of a nation are closely intertwined with the status of the health of its people.
“But, to remain economically buoyant as a nation, we have to ensure that our health sector is not plagued with daunting challenges,” he said.
He added, “although we have achieved some milestones in health as a nation, the healthcare system of our country is beset with the current problem of brain-drain.
“It is worrisome that our medical doctors who are expected to provide care for those who are ill among us, are leaving the shores of our country in droves.
“I feel this is a very key issue facing us as a nation and we should look into ways of stemming this ugly tide as we will continue to lose our medical professionals to other countries abroad if urgent measures are not adopted.
“It is a national challenge, which demands the collective attention of all, and among other reasons, is especially the desire to earn more money.
”There are also some complaints about the working environment and inadequate equipment,” he said.