The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially declared two medical doctors wanted for abandoning their posts after benefiting from state-funded training for eight years.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Health, Ekem John, during a press briefing in Uyo.
The doctors in question, Uduakabasi Ita, a Consultant Radiologist, and Mfonobong Bassey, a Consultant Haematologist, were employed by the state Ministry of Health but reportedly left their duties without completing the mandatory service period required to repay the cost of their training.
Commissioner John emphasized that “Medical personnel trained by the state are required to serve a stipulated period to offset the cost of their education before seeking employment elsewhere. Failure to comply will result in sanctions.”
He further revealed that their salaries have been suspended and that the government will pursue them wherever they relocate, coordinating with the Medical and Dental Councils of those countries to ensure their licenses are halted.
John urged the doctors to report immediately to the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, warning that once the Medical and Dental Council initiates action, the government will not be held responsible.
He also called on their families to encourage them to return to service without delay.
Looking ahead, the commissioner reaffirmed that all medical officers trained by the state must complete their obligated years of service before resigning.
He warned that those who refuse must refund the full cost of their training to the government.
John praised Governor Umo Eno for declaring a health sector emergency, stating that Akwa Ibom is committed to developing a top-tier healthcare system under the ARISE Agenda.
