By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), Dr. Olatunde Alabi, has identified inadequate staffing and a lack of critical medical equipment as significant challenges facing the institution.
In a recent interview at his office in Lokoja, Dr. Alabi attributed the hospital’s difficulties to the ongoing trend of staff departures, commonly referred to as the “Japa Syndrome.” This phenomenon, which sees experienced personnel leaving for opportunities abroad, has led to a noticeable staff shortage.
Dr. Alabi noted that some employees have breached their contracts to seek employment overseas, exacerbating the staffing crisis. He explained that the rigorous recruitment process for new staff further complicates the situation, making it difficult to replace those who have left.
Addressing the issue of referrals, Dr. Alabi explained that the hospital often directs patients to other facilities for certain medical cases due to the absence of critical equipment in specialized departments. “If we encounter a critical case and lack the necessary equipment, we cannot insist on treating it solely because we are a tertiary health center. Our priority is to refer patients to hospitals equipped to handle their needs,” he stated.
Regarding the cost of healthcare services at FTHL, Dr. Alabi emphasized that their fees are more affordable than those at private hospitals in Lokoja, especially considering the quality of services provided by qualified doctors, nurses, and staff. “In terms of the quality of care, we are second to none,” he said.
While acknowledging some laxity among certain staff members, Dr. Alabi assured that the hospital is committed to improving staff performance. “We continuously monitor this issue and have implemented strict measures, including disciplinary actions, to address any lapses in service.”
He urged the public to report any incidents of negligence by staff members so that management can investigate and take appropriate action. Dr. Alabi highlighted that the SERVICOM initiative is specifically designed to monitor and address such concerns within the hospital.
