Key Points:
- Akwa Ibom government names two consultants who shun duty. Officials say both enjoyed full state training support.
- Health chief links mother and baby deaths to absence. Ikot Ekpene hospital runs short on key radiology cover.
- Civil rules bind sponsored doctors to serve equal years. Defaulters refund pay or face crime claims, he warns.
Akwa Ibom government has raised a firm red flag. Leaders say two trained consultants left their work posts. Each still took gains from the state purse. The move now draws loud fear and quick action.
Health chief Prof Ekem Emmanuel John shared the update. He spoke on reforms after a health emergency call. He named a radiologist and a haematologist as culprits. He said one now works full time in Lagos.
Health chief names absent consultants
The state paid for their full study and work growth. Yet both failed to resume after the paid training. One drew Akwa Ibom pay while holding another job. The act, he said, breaks the law of service. Recruiters now move to fill wide gaps across hospitals. Governor Umo Eno signed 2,000 new health hires. This update lands amid a five-day warning strike by resident doctors.
Mother and baby die at Ikot Ekpene
Prof Ekem linked a fresh loss to poor cover. A mother and her newborn died at Ikot Ekpene. He said the assigned consultant failed to show up. Other doctors stood in place, yet gaps still hurt. He noted the facility keeps doctors, except radiology. He asked homes to blame defaulting staff, not government.
Study leave rules and refunds
Civil rules guide leave, study, and fair return to work. Those on unpaid study leave may reclaim their posts. Those on paid study leave must serve equal years. Defaulters must refund every kobo from the study term.
He warned that crime charges may also then follow. “Government funds your growth; do not dump your post,” he said. “You can japa, but not with state cash,” he added. Recent concern over care also trended in Phyna hospitalised coverage.
The state says it will fix care with clear steps. Fresh hires and rules now push a safer system. Citizens should expect firm checks and fast duty rosters. Leaders ask residents to report gaps for quick action
