The Delta State Government has mandated over 200 absentee doctors and nurses to refund their salaries following an extensive audit of the state’s health institutions. This move, announced by the State Health Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Onojame, aims to address and rectify inefficiencies within the health sector.
Speaking to reporters in Asaba, Dr. Onojame disclosed that the audit uncovered a significant number of ghost workers, particularly at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara. He emphasized that the administration, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is committed to sanitizing the health sector.
“In our thorough investigation, we discovered that many health professionals had left their positions, often moving abroad, yet they remained on the payroll,” Dr. Onojame explained. “As a result, we have taken steps to remove them from the payroll to stop this financial drain.”
The audit revealed that the state had lost about fifty percent of its doctors and nurses due to emigration over the past few years. The removal of these ghost workers is seen as a critical measure to curb unnecessary expenditures and improve the allocation of resources.
In addition to addressing absenteeism, the Delta State Government is also tackling corruption within the Department of Nursing. Allegations of examination malpractice, admission racketeering, and corrupt practices have plagued the department. Dr. Onojame noted that steps have been taken to refund illegally collected building levies from students and to discipline staff involved in unethical practices.
“There was a lecturer who collected money in exchange for grades; such individuals will face severe consequences,” Dr. Onojame stated. “We are eliminating practices like ‘pay for score,’ ensuring that all nursing students must study to pass their exams.”
The State Chairman of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives, Comrade Philomena Onokpuvie, has expressed support for these reforms. She commended the government’s efforts to address the challenges in the health sector and emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, health professionals, and administrators to achieve sustainable improvements.
As Delta State moves forward with these reforms, the focus remains on creating a transparent, efficient, and accountable health sector that can better serve its residents.