Dr Eniayewun Ademuyiwa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, expressed concern about the strain on government-owned hospitals caused by the mass emigration of healthcare workers seeking better opportunities abroad, known as “japa”.
He noted that this shortage of manpower in federal facilities has led to an increase in patients being admitted to state hospitals in Lagos.
Last year, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors reported that 1,417 members had relocated abroad in search of better prospects.
In November, the House of Representatives Committee on Health revealed that the Lagos University Teaching Hospital had closed down five wards with approximately 150 beds due to a shortage if healthcare workers resulting from the exodus of doctors.
During a healthcare leadership event in Lekki, Lagos, the permanent secretary expressed concerns about the continuous departure of healthcare providers from the system, despite government efforts to train and equip them.
He emphasized that hospitals were still struggling to provide high-quality services as many of their younger workforce had left the country for better opportunities.
The permanent secretary highlighted the challenges faced by hospitals, such as the rapid deterioration of implemented strategies and the loss of trained personnel, resulting in the need to constantly start anew.
This situation has arisen due to the mass migration of doctors.
Despite the increasing volume of patients in our hospitals, we are unsure of the reasons behind it.
It could be due to the quality of care we provide or simply because patients have no other options.
In the past, we used to lack certain specialties in our hospitals, but now the situation has changed and we have addressed the demand.
Health care executives are urged to be proactive in dealing with patients and providing quality service.
Training has been provided to 180 medical doctors in general hospitals to emphasize the importance of quality service delivery.
Hospital managers are encouraged to implement resilience processes and address problems immediately.
The hospitals should be prepared to operate 24/7 and not delay in fixing any issues that may arise.
The retreat was organized to enhance the capacity of health workers, particularly healthcare executives, in the state.