In a bid to discourage Japa which is gradually becoming the order of the day in the medical profession, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, announced on Wednesday that his administration is doling out the sum of ₦200 million as allowances to support the residency training of 150 medical doctors.
The governor made the revelation during a meeting with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Maiduguri.
According to him, the donation is geared towards discouraging the “Japa” syndrome and “to elevate the quality of healthcare services in the state.”
News About Nigeria reports that “Japa” is a Nigerian slang used to describe the act of professionals leaving Nigeria to seek better opportunities and living conditions abroad.
It is no longer news that Nigeria continually loses thousands of health workers annually to the Japa syndrome as many of them keep leaving the country for ‘greener pastures.’
Giving details on the donation, the governor noted that 50 medical doctors employed by the state government will each receive ₦2 million, while over 100 Borno indigenes working in federal institutions are slated to receive ₦1 million each.
He further noted that the allowances are in addition to their normal salaries and allowances.
The governor also stated that the financial support is intended to provide doctors with advanced clinical skills, practical experience, and specialised training, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of medical services in the region.
Zulum also pledged his administration’s commitment to ensuring that doctors in the state are well catered for, adding that they will continue to ensure that they enjoy their job.
