In a growing crisis, healthcare practitioners at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) are resigning weekly, seeking better opportunities abroad, according to Chief Medical Director Dr. Pokop Bupwatda.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) confirms the exodus, blaming the government’s recruitment failures and unfriendly working conditions.
The House of Representatives Committee on Health has expressed concern over the escalating trend of doctors and nurses relocating abroad, resulting in the shutdown of multiple wards, as seen at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Committee Chairman Dr. Amos Magaji describes the situation as worrisome and emphasizes legislative efforts to curb the rising medical tourism rate.
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Meanwhile, JUTH’s Dr. Bupwatda attributes the resignations to a complex interplay of “push and pull factors” and advocates for urgent replacements to maintain effective service delivery.
In an interview with Vanguard, Dr. Bupwatda sheds light on challenges including obsolete equipment, inadequate tools, and power supply issues.
Despite JUTH’s pursuit of excellence, he highlights the struggle to acquire modern equipment, leaving medical staff unable to fully implement their skills in a resource-limited setting.
The Chief Medical Director underscores the weekly receipt of resignation letters, with radiographers prominently among those leaving for better working conditions.
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Factors such as unmet basic needs due to rising costs and the impact of strikes contribute to the hostile working environment, prompting some to seek more conducive settings abroad.
As stakeholders address these challenges, urgent action is urged to retain skilled healthcare professionals and improve conditions at JUTH, ensuring the continued delivery of quality healthcare services.
