In a bid to discourage the "Japa Syndrome" in the state, the Kwara State Government has assured that it is working round the clock to curb the surge in migration of medical practitioners seeking better opportunities abroad.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, gave this assurance in Ilorin when she received the National leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria in her office.

El-Imam explained that “as part of the efforts of the present administration in Kwara State to encourage medical practitioners, Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq has approved the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund and other incentives, to encourage those who want to stay back, rather than running to foreign Western countries, for greener pastures.”

Dr El-Imam stressed further that “Governor AbdulRazaq led administration is working tirelessly at ensuring that, all state residents, particularly medical practitioners excel in their chosen career, in order to stem the tide of “Japa Syndrome” in the state.

El-Imam therefore, appealed to the visiting body, to recognize the efforts of the Governor by prevailing on members of the association, to be patient with the current dispensation and remain hopeful, adding that, “other few obstacles are surmountable.”

The National President, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, earlier in his remarks told the Commissioner that they were in the state for the association's National Executive Council (NEC), Meeting, therefore commended the State Government for building and remodeling medical facilities across the state, to enhance delivery of quality healthcare services.

Prof Aminu who acknowledged that the problem of human resources shortage is a general problem, called for deliberate efforts to stem the tide.

He also appealed to government to “work hard in order to reverse the “Japa Syndrome,” with more incentives for medical practitioners, such as considering members of the association in the new layout and other benefits. This will no doubt encourage us to stay in the interest of all.