The Minister of State for Health, Ekumankama Nkama has
lamented the acute shortage of doctors, nurses and other health professionals
in government hospitals across all levels (local, state and federal) including
tertiary health institutions due to the increasing immigration syndrome.
The minister said this while speaking at the inauguration of
bedded Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Paediatric Intensive
Care Unit, and Labour ward at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
during the weekend.
Nkama said LUTH and other tertiary health institutions are
facing an acute shortage of health professionals due to the effects of brain
drain and work overload.
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.
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