The Federal Government has expressed concern about the severe lack of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers in government hospitals at all levels (local, state, and federal), including tertiary health institutions as a result of the increasing ‘japa’ immigration syndrome.
The Minister of State for Health, Ekumankama Nkama, revealed this over the weekend at the opening of the Labor ward, adult intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, and paediatric intensive care unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
According to Nkama, the impacts of brain drain and job overload have led to a severe lack of medical experts at LUTH and other tertiary health facilities.
He spoke on behalf of the ministry through Dr. David Atuwo, Director of the National Cancer Control Programme, saying, “This ‘japa’ syndrome is adversely affecting services in our hospitals, to the extent that some wards are closed for lack of personnel to man them.”
Nkama added that the Federal Ministry of Health with other government agents including the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is working very hard to ensure that exiting staff is replaced as soon and seamlessly as possible.
“The ministry is also working on a brain gain mechanism whereby our health professionals in the diaspora can be incentivised to come home and give paid expert service to our citizens. This is a win, win situation for the nation and our experienced medical professionals in the diaspora.”
“I am glad the Head of Service is here in person as her office has been very cooperative. Let me thank her profusely for all her efforts in this regard. The full implementation of this initiative will ensure that services are maintained at the present level.”
The minister continued that the inauguration of the three projects has shown the hard work of the Board of management, and staff of LUTH over the years and has resulted in the current success.
He described the projects as a testimony and a thing of pride, especially for the outgoing Chief Medical Director.