The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Kogi Specialist Hospital, Prof Isah Adagiri, has raised concerns over the scarcity of medical doctors in the state, attributing the shortfall to the trend of doctors seeking opportunities abroad, commonly known as the “Japa” syndrome.
Speaking during the 2024 budget appraisal and projection at the Kogi House of Assembly in Lokoja, Adagiri highlighted the challenges faced by the hospital due to the exodus of doctors.
Despite Governor Yahaya Bello’s approval for the immediate replacement of doctors who leave the service, finding suitable replacements has become a challenge.
“Many doctors have Japa, and despite our willingness to replace them by employing new ones, they are nowhere to be found,” he said. “It’s no longer news that a lot of doctors are moving out of the country in droves for greener pastures, a situation which is negatively affecting our services as a hospital.
“There are lots of disadvantages in the craving for greener pastures by these doctors, who do all they can to earn every Kobo being paid to them. But because of patriotism, someone like me can’t imagine myself leaving the service to work out of the country.”
The CMD stressed the adverse impact of doctors leaving the country, affecting healthcare services and the Specialist Hospital’s operations. He expressed concerns about doctors prioritising financial gain over service to the nation, acknowledging the need for a better welfare package to retain medical personnel.
Adagiri highlighted the recent loss of a doctor from the Specialist Hospital who had moved to work in Dubai but tragically succumbed due to the challenges encountered while practising in a foreign country.
He said, “For us, in specialist hospitals, we always liaise with you, the House Committee on Health and Social Services, to get better welfare packages for our doctors. It’s my belief that better pay to our doctors will stop the syndrome and improve our service to residents of Kogi.”
He advocated for improved welfare as a means to dissuade the “Japa syndrome” and enhance healthcare delivery, stressing the importance of better pay to retain medical professionals and elevate healthcare standards for the people of Kogi.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Ayo Olayemi, Chief Medical Director of the Kogi State Hospital Management Board, sought the House’s support in recruiting health personnel for newly constructed hospitals across the state.
Olayemi commended Governor Yahaya Bello for establishing significant medical facilities but highlighted their understaffing as a critical issue.
He appealed for the approval of the recruitment of personnel to fill vacancies in these hospitals, stressing the need to maintain and renovate existing medical facilities.
The CMDs urged for concerted efforts from both the legislature and the executive to address these challenges and ensure that the state’s healthcare system remains robust and capable of meeting the populace’s needs.
