The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has voiced his concerns regarding the rising trend of nurses and other healthcare professionals leaving the country, commonly known as the ‘Japa’ syndrome.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain urged nurses in Adamawa to maintain their commitment to the profession.
Naijaonpoint reports that Fintiri made the call during a meeting with the national president of the Fellowship of Christian Nurses, Nigeria, and other officials at the Government House.
Governor Fintiri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday, stressed the urgent need for dedicated healthcare workers within Adamawa State.
He highlighted the significance of a dependable nursing workforce in providing quality healthcare services to the populace, noting that his administration is actively working to enhance healthcare infrastructure.
This initiative includes the construction and rehabilitation of cottage hospitals, the upgrading of medical facilities, and the improvement of healthcare workers’ welfare.
Governor Fintiri encouraged the nurses to remain focused on their responsibilities, collaborate effectively, and continue to prioritize patient care, underscoring their vital role in the state’s healthcare system.
The meeting was convened in preparation for the forthcoming national conference of the Fellowship of Christian Nurses, which will be held in Adamawa State, where Governor Fintiri is slated to serve as the guest of honour.
Meanwhile, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has said that nurses and other professionals travelling overseas for greener pastures should not be stopped.
According to Obi, their immigration is beneficial to the country.
The former Anambra governor asserted that foreign remittances can be a form of revenue for the country.
He stated this at St Charles Borromeo College of Nursing and Midwifery in Onitsha on Monday.
Obi, who donated money to the institution, noted that education and health are the currencies with which people will transact in the future.
The former LP flag bearer said Nigeria has over 200 million people and there is no need to restrict people from travelling out of the country for greener pastures.
He urged Nigerian leaders to concentrate on training more people.