Olu Samuel
The Ebira Doctors’ Forum (EDF), has urged Kogi State Government to adopt a multifaceted approach to addressing the manpower deficit at Reference Hospital Okene (CUSTECH Teaching Hospital), by leveraging both immediate and long-term solutions.
Dr. Shaibu Moses Omeiza, the Secretary General of EDF, gave the advice in a statement on Thursday in Lokoja
The doctor proposed High-level engagement with the State government; Adequate budgetary allocation, Provision of accommodation and Other incentives, as well as Political will and commitment to addressing the manpower shortage at the hospital.
He noted that “the shortage of healthcare professionals, which was largely due to the ‘Japa’ syndrome, has become a systemic challenge across the nation, adding that managing the deficit had proven to be an arduous task for hospital administrators”.
He, however, said that despite these challenges, other tertiary healthcare centers in the country had been able to mitigate the impact effectively, saying, “It takes a responsive government to address this issue strategically and sustainably”.
The medical expert lauded the recent advertisement by CUSTECH management seeking to employ Medical Officers and Consultants for vacant positions at the teaching hospital, describing it as a commendable and proactive step in the right direction, particularly with the inclusion of incentives to attract qualified personnel.
He, however expressed concerns if the initiative would eventually yield the expected outcomes of delivering quality and effective healthcare services to the people of Kogi and Nigeria at large.
“The critical question remains: Will this initiative yield the desired result by attracting doctors to take up appointments with the hospital? This remains uncertain!
“Should the required number of doctors needed to fill these vacant positions not be met, it is imperative to explore alternative solutions to bridge this gap.
“Below are some practical steps that could provide immediate relief to the hospital’s manpower deficit:
“Contract-Based Employment; Re-Engagement of Retired but Active Professionals; Periodic Consultancy Visits; Utilization of Annual Leave Periods; and Collaboration with NYSC,” he advised.
He urged the state government to engage doctors from tertiary health institutions such as Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja and Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH) Lokoja on a contractual basis to provide services at RHO.
He also called for the encouragement of the retired but still active doctors to take up contract appointments with the hospital, saying this would not only boost the workforce but also provide mentorship to younger doctors.
He further advised the government to incentivized renowned professors and consultants practicing in other states, to conduct at least monthly visits to run specialist clinics or perform surgical procedures.
He added that Specialists practicing in other states should be encouraged to spend part of their annual leave periods at RHO to offer their expertise in critical areas of need.
He subsequently urged the hospital management to liaise with the NYSC Secretariat in Lokoja to facilitate the posting of medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and radiographers to RHO as part of their national service.
Speaking on the implementation strategies to actualize thel recommendations, Omeiza called for delegation of key stakeholders from the Ebira Doctors Forum (EDF) to seek an audience with Gov. Ahmed Ododo, to discuss strategies for optimizing the hospital’s functionality.
“This high-powered delegation should be led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health (HCH) and other heads of health institutions of Ebira extraction in the state.
“The government should allocate sufficient funds to cover monthly stipends for medical professionals engaged through these alternative arrangements.
“To make the hospital an attractive workplace, adequate accommodation and other welfare packages should be provided for healthcare personnel.
“The resolute commitment of the Ododo-led administration will be crucial in ensuring that these proposals are effectively implemented.
“Addressing the manpower deficit at Reference Hospital Okene requires a multifaceted approach, leveraging both immediate and long-term solutions.
“While recruitment efforts must continue, supplementary strategies—such as contract engagements, leveraging retired professionals, and incentivizing external specialists, will provide much-needed relief.
“A responsive government, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, can turn these proposals into actionable solutions, ultimately strengthening the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services to the people,” Omeiza said.