The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, Dr. Olatunde Alabi, has identified brain drain, commonly referred to as ‘japa’, as a critical issue facing the institution. He revealed that many medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health workers, have left the hospital in search of better opportunities abroad, contributing to a severe staffing shortage.
During a recent interaction with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council, Dr. Alabi noted that the exodus of experienced personnel is a significant factor in the hospital’s current shortage of staff. According to him, the strict hiring process has made replacing those who leave more difficult. In many cases, staff trained at the hospital breach their contracts and relocate overseas, exacerbating the problem.
Statistics from the hospital reveal a steady decline in medical staff. In 2020, the hospital had 190 doctors, a number that dropped to 175 in 2021 and 130 in 2022. Currently, only 94 doctors are available to handle the growing number of patients, putting immense pressure on the remaining workforce.
Dr. Alabi also pointed out the lack of critical equipment as another major challenge hindering the hospital’s ability to function at full capacity, despite having over 80 consultants. He acknowledged that some medical cases are referred to other hospitals due to the absence of specialized equipment, which prevents FTH from providing the necessary care in certain instances.
The CMD assured the public that the hospital is taking steps to acquire vital equipment, which would reduce the frequency of referrals. “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 center. We would rather refer the patient to another hospital with the necessary equipment to save their life,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about the cost of healthcare services, Dr. Alabi emphasized that the hospital’s charges are more affordable than those of any private hospital in Lokoja. He challenged anyone to provide evidence to the contrary, highlighting that FTH offers top-quality care from highly qualified professionals.
The CMD also vowed to enforce discipline and a strong work ethic among hospital staff, warning that any form of indiscipline would not be tolerated. He urged the public to report cases of staff negligence so they can be promptly addressed, adding that the hospital’s SERVICOM unit is dedicated to handling such complaints.
During a tour of the hospital’s facilities, Dr. Alabi showcased over 20 projects initiated and completed under his leadership, as well as those he inherited from his predecessor. He praised the federal government, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s administration, for its efforts to improve healthcare and called for urgent approval to hire more staff to meet the hospital’s mandate as a teaching institution.
Dr. Alabi concluded by stating that some units in the hospital are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed with qualified personnel, comparable to top institutions like the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
