Doctors in Abia State are now in quandary  over their status as directives from different quarters conflict each other


One of the directives  directed medical doctors in the State under the employ of the Hospital Management Board, HBM, to submit a fresh “Expression of Interest” if they want to continue working with the state government.


The  memo,  signed by the Director in Charge, Dr. Hemuka Rock Biala, for the Honourable Commissioner described the move as being “is in line with the Government vision of delivery healthcare services to all Abians”


The full memo titled 'Expression of Interest' and signed by the Director in Charge, Dr. Hemuka Rock Biala, on behalf of the Commissioner for Health states as follows:


“I am directed to inform all Medical Doctors in the State Ministry of Health employ to re-apply expressing their interest on working with the Ministry indicating their willingness to work under the Ministry of Health, Umuahia and Hospitals Management Board (HMB). This is in line with the Government vision of delivery healthcare services to all Abians.


“2. This is expected to be done on or before Friday 21st of July, 2023.


“3. This is mandatory to avoid sanction"


However in a rebuttal, the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, described as untrue and unfounded, the  news that the Abia State Government has sacked all medical doctors in the state public service.


According to the Commissioner, "the purported sack is only the figment of the authors' imagination as the government has no intention of sacking or disengaging any doctor or health personnel currently working to support our ongoing efforts at reviving the health sector in the state."


She also maintained that no one has been asked to submit "fresh expression of interest" as the fake circular directed.


Dr. Okoronkwo advised the doctors and members of the general public to ignore the rumour and support the several initiatives of the government at driving holistic healthcare delivery in the State.