Abia Government to Sanction Absentee Healthcare Workers

The Abia State Government has warned that it will take disciplinary action against primary healthcare workers who fail to report to duty.

Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu made the announcement during a Primary Healthcare Taskforce meeting held at the Government House in Umuahia. He stated that the government will suspend the salaries of health workers who are absent from their posts, stressing that such behavior will not be tolerated—especially as the state is currently renovating over 200 primary healthcare centers to enhance service delivery.

Emetu also criticized the continued practice of traditional childbirth methods, which he said contribute significantly to the high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in the state. He assured that efforts are underway to regulate and curb these unsafe practices.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between state healthcare workers and local government authorities. He said his ministry would convene meetings with local government chairmen to develop strategies for effective rural health outreach and to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Kalu U. Kalu, echoed the warning, stating that the agency’s inspectorate division will take disciplinary action against truant workers. He noted that absenteeism seriously hampers the government’s efforts to revamp the primary healthcare system.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key stakeholders in the health sector.