The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta, Lagos, Dr. Adedamola Dada, revealed that the hospital is now actively engaging retired specialists to bolster its workforce in a bid to address the challenges posed by the departure of health workers.
Dr. Dada shared insights during an interview in Lagos, attributing the need for such measures to what he referred to as the “Japa syndrome,” a term often used to describe professionals leaving their home country for opportunities abroad.
What He said
He emphasised the hospital’s commitment to expanding services and tackling issues head-on rather than succumbing to challenges.
“We are expanding our services, actively encouraging retired specialists, consultants, nurses, and others who still possess the required skills to join us. By creating an enabling environment, we aim to retain existing health workers and attract those considering retirement,” Dr. Dada stated.
Acknowledging that resignations have occurred, the CMD highlighted the hospital’s proactive approach to address the impact.
Dr. Dada affirmed that despite challenges, the FMC has designed programs and alternatives to replace departing staff, ensuring the continuity of essential healthcare services.
While acknowledging the broader issue of resignations within the healthcare system, Dr. Dada emphasized the importance of not allowing these challenges to overwhelm the healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and proactive measures.
The FMC’s strategy of integrating retired specialists demonstrates a practical approach to mitigating the impact of workforce resignations on the hospital’s operations.
What you should know
Nigeria’s health sector is facing a myriad of challenges including medical tourism, mass exodus, deteriorating infrastructure, low budgetary allocation, and poor salaries.
Nigeria accounts for the third largest of international doctors in the United Kingdom.
In 2023, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria disclosed that 7000 pharmacists left the country.
The Japa syndrome is even more severe among Nigerian nurses as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives revealed that no fewer than 75,000 have left the country in the last five years.
