Management of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL) has debunked the claims that the hospital was becoming distressed as a result of the lack of qualified medical professionals who were alleged to have left its service due to bad working conditions.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FTHL, Dr Olatunde Alabi, said the management is committed to transparency and accountability in the administration of the medical institution.
He denied claims by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) that the hospital was facing an industrial crisis and staff shortages.
Dr. Alabi described ARD’s claim as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the hospital’s reputation, calling it misleading and embarrassing to the institution.
“Contrary to ARD’s claim that the hospital has only 43 doctors, FTHL currently has 228 doctors still in service at the teaching hospital.
“That this includes 49 resident doctors, 86 consultants, 42 medical officers, 43 house officers, and seven visiting consultants in specialized fields where there are shortages.
“I wonder where they got such negative and unfair information. This is an embarrassment to the hospital,” he said.
On the relationship between the management and staff of the medical institution, Alabi pointed out that he was not at loggerhead with any union except those constituting themselves into nuisance and not ready to abide by the civil service rules and regulations.
“This group is a small faction of ARD members who refused to accept correction,” Alabi stated.
He emphasized that several doctors and health workers were recruited between 2012 and 2022, against the claims that no doctors had been employed since 2012.
“We recruited resident doctors regularly until the government’s IPPIS policy restricted us. Some left due to the ‘Japa’ syndrome, affecting hospitals nationwide,” he explained.
Dr. Alabi admitted that though there were challenges concerning the issue of Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, (IPPIS), but insisted that no staff salary was outstanding, adding that efforts to pay allowances to resident doctors was also underway.
While attributing the false narratives being peddled by the naysayers to some staff members with disciplinary concerns, Dr. Alabi, fumed at being described as a “slave master,” insisting that it was disparaging.
“I am misunderstood. My goal is always to ensure the well-being of the staff and the successful operation of the hospital,” he said.
Dr Alabi said the meeting was intended to promote open dialogue between the management, staff, union leaders and other critical stakeholders, stressing the importance of collaborative discussions to improve healthcare services in the hospital.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised the need for a peaceful work environment, unity, and a harmonious relationship between staff and hospital management.
The Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Comrade Idris Miliki Adbul, urged both parties to resolve conflicts through dialogue.
Miliki advised the CMD to engage more with staff to address concerns before they escalate into major disputes.
