Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Association of Resident Doctors at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has called for urgent action to address the serious shortage of medical staff at the institution.
The association urged the federal government to provide additional resources and support to the institution, to improve the quality of care and reduce the burden on staff.
The ARD President at the institution, Dr. Tope Osundara made the call at the handing over of a newly constructed medical facility built by the Professor Musa Olomu-led administration to the association.
He lamented that the shortage of staff has been a longstanding issue at the hospital, adding that it is leading to increased waiting times for patients, reduced access to care, and longer stays in the hospital.
The ARD president also raised concern about the physical and mental health of the staff who are working long hours to provide care to patients.
He said, “All over the country, the situation is very bad. FMC Abeokuta is not just having this situation in isolation. So, if you search through almost all the hospitals in Nigeria, you will discover that the number of doctors that we have is not adequate to carry out the daily routine and daily service for humanity and for the health of all the patients that visit FMC Abeokuta.
“FMC Abeokuta also needs doctors and presently, we are short of staff, we are using this opportunity to call on relevant stakeholders to also look in the direction of FMC Abeokuta so that more doctors can come to the centre and we can render adequate service in terms of health to every citizen and every Ogun state indigene.
“One of the things that can be done to curb the incessant exodus of doctors out of the country is to ensure that the welfare of doctors is looked into.
“When the government ensures that the welfare of doctors is given top priority, I believe that things will change for the better.”
Osundara, however, expressed appreciation for the completion of the new medical facility, noting that it would enhance the quality of healthcare services provided.
Reacting to the ARD president’s appeal, the FMC Medical Director, Professor Musa Olomu said the institution is making efforts to address the shortage of doctors plaguing the hospital.
“We will still get the approval to employ and I think in the next one week, we should be able to get it from the head of service in Abuja, “ he assured.
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