The Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, has called on government institutions nationwide to adopt monthly biometric staff verification to curb cases of employees receiving salaries while residing abroad.

Speaking to journalists in Asaba after inspecting the hospital’s facilities, Dr. Alile-Idele emphasized that FMC Asaba has effectively managed the “Japa syndrome”—the mass migration of professionals—by swiftly identifying and replacing staff who leave.

“The Japa syndrome has not really affected FMC Asaba much. Here, within a month, they can detect if a staff member has exited the system and replace them accordingly. I’ve seen organizations where people left two years ago and are still on the payroll. That shouldn’t be happening,” she stated.

Dr. Alile-Idele commended FMC Asaba’s biometric system, which mandates monthly verification for all staff. “If you don’t do your biometrics for three months and we can’t find you, why should we keep paying you?” she questioned.

Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, she praised FMC Asaba for its advanced medical facilities and dedicated workforce. She also urged the federal government to increase funding for ongoing projects, emphasizing the hospital’s potential to become one of Nigeria’s leading medical centers.

“My vision is for FMC Asaba to be at the forefront of all medical centers in this country,” she concluded.