By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Following the prolonged industrial dispute between resident doctors and the management of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja (FTHL), the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Olatunde Alabi, on Tuesday appealed for peace and harmonious coexistence among staff to resolve the crisis.
Dr. Alabi made this call while speaking at an enlarged stakeholders’ forum held at the hospital premises in Lokoja. The meeting aimed to chart a way forward for effective healthcare service delivery and to create an enabling environment for staff to excel in their duties.
The CMD emphasized the need for staff to adopt behaviors that would enhance productivity in healthcare services.
Addressing the allegations raised by the Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (FTHL), Dr. Alabi debunked claims of a total collapse of health services, the non-employment of medical doctors for several years, and a lack of medical facilities.
He clarified that the hospital has consistently met expectations and will continue to uphold its responsibilities, dismissing the allegations as baseless attempts to undermine the management.
Responding to claims that the hospital currently has only 43 doctors, Dr. Alabi stated, “Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, as I speak, has a total of 228 medical doctors. This is verifiable. Out of this number, we have 86 consultants, 7 visiting consultants, 49 resident doctors, 32 medical officers, and 43 house officers.”
He further noted that the hospital is adequately equipped and continues to recruit doctors and other medical personnel as needed.
“I am not owing any salary arrears to any staff. I don’t have any problem with any doctor. Some of my best friends in the hospital are resident doctors. Let us work collectively in harmony to achieve the desired results in our healthcare delivery,” Dr. Alabi appealed.
Representatives from the Kogi State Commissioner of Health’s office, National Orientation Agency, Public Complaints Commission, the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Council, and the Maigeri of Lokoja, in their separate contributions, called for regular stakeholder meetings.
They emphasized that such gatherings provide a platform to exchange ideas on improving the hospital’s operations and preventing future crises.
