Ekumankama Nkama, the minister of state for health, has expressed concern about the acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in government hospitals at all levels (local, state, and federal), including tertiary medical facilities.
At the weekend opening of the Labor Ward, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Intensive Care Unit at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, the minister made this statement.
According to Nkama, the effects of brain drain and work overload have led to a severe shortage of medical professionals at LUTH and other tertiary health institutions.
Represented by the Director, National Cancer Control Programme of the ministry, Dr David Atuwo, he said, “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.