Dwindling Medical Personnel in Nigerian Hospitals Sparks Concerns Over Poor Conditions and Recruitment Failures

Doctors and health workers at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Plateau State, Nigeria, are resigning every week due to poor working conditions and the government’s failure to recruit new medical personnel. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) confirmed the growing trend of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. The shortage of doctors and healthcare workers is a widespread issue across major teaching and general hospitals in the country. This shortage has resulted in the closure of wards in hospitals such as Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The House of Representatives Committee on Health expressed concerns about the increasing rate of Nigerian doctors and nurses relocating abroad, leading to a decline in the country’s health manpower. The Chairman of the committee, Dr. Amos Magaji, described the situation as worrisome and emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges causing the migration. The Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, stressed the urgent need to replace vacant positions to ensure effective service delivery. He cited outdated and inadequate medical equipment, insufficient power supply, and acts of sabotage as some of the challenges being addressed by stakeholders. Dr. Bupwatda noted that the working environment, rising costs of living, and frequent strikes were among the push factors driving medical professionals to seek opportunities abroad. He also highlighted the limitation of practicing in a resource-limited setting with a lack of necessary equipment. The exodus of doctors and healthcare workers poses a significant threat to the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria. The government and relevant stakeholders are urged to take immediate action to address these critical issues and create a conducive environment for medical professionals to thrive and serve the population effectively.