From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
Dr Olatunde Alabi, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, has brought attention to the pressing issue of brain drain, often referred to as ‘japa.’ The phenomenon represents a significant challenge for the hospital, as numerous staff members—including doctors, nurses, and allied medical professionals—are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. As a result, the hospital is facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
The CMD, who disclosed this during an interaction with members of the correspondents’ chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council, noted that the exit of some experienced staff from the hospital due to the popular ‘Japa Syndrome’ is a major cause of the staff shortage.
Dr Alabi also identified the lack of critical equipment as a challenge impeding operations at the tertiary health centre, despite having over 80 consultants.
Daily Sun gathered before the interaction with the CMD that the hospital had 190 medical doctors in 2020, which was reduced to 175 in 2021 and depleted to 130 in 2022, while it had 110 in 2023. However, only 94 doctors are currently attending to hundreds of patients daily, creating serious workloads for them due to the brain drain syndrome.
However, speaking with the reporters, the CMD noted that the strict hiring process is also hindering the replacement of those who have left the hospital. He stressed that some trained staff preferred to breach their bonds and travel abroad, which he stated has become a common trend.
In response to why some medical cases are referred to other hospitals, even though FTH is a tertiary health facility, the CMD explained that the absence of critical equipment in some specialised departments is largely responsible for this.
He mentioned that the hospital is already taking steps to acquire some of this equipment, adding that once this is done, the issue of referrals will be drastically reduced.
“If you have a critical case and the equipment is not available, we cannot insist on handling it simply because we are a tertiary health centre. We would rather refer the patient to another hospital with the necessary equipment to save their life,” he said.
“Even though we have qualified medical personnel in the hospital when a patient’s life is at stake, it’s only logical and medically advisable to refer them to ensure the best possible care.”
Regarding the alleged high cost of healthcare services in the facility, the CMD stated that their charges are more affordable compared to any private hospital in Lokoja and its environs.
“You cannot compare our charges to those of any private hospital in Lokoja when you consider the quality of services we provide. In terms of qualified doctors, nurses, and other staff, we are second to none. I challenge anyone to present verifiable evidence to the contrary.”
The CMD stressed that under his watch laxity and non-commitment to work ethic are seriously frowned upon and that any staff caught with any form of indiscipline will be dealt with.
“We are constantly monitoring the behavioural trend of our staff to confirm with the laid down rules and regulations guiding the hospital and have implemented stringent measures to address any laxity, including disciplinary actions against any erring staff members.
“We do not condone any form of misbehaviour from our staff, especially towards patients who come here for medical attention. We will continue enforcing these measures until they conform to our set standards and objectives.”
He called on the public to report any cases of negligence by staff members so that the management can investigate and address such issues, adding that SERVICOM is specifically designed to monitor and address such laxity.
The CMD invited journalists for a tour to highlight the new projects and equipment that have been installed. He emphasised that during his tenure, he has initiated and completed more than 20 projects while also successfully finishing all initiatives started by his predecessor.
Dr Alabi highlighted that specific departments within the hospital are furnished with cutting-edge technology and highly trained staff, placing it on par with renowned institutions such as University College Hospital Ibadan and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
While commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its pragmatic approach to healthcare in the country, he also urged the federal government to permit teaching hospitals to employ more qualified staff to effectively fulfil their responsibilities.