Resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja (FTHL), under the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), staged a protest on Monday, calling for the urgent recruitment of healthcare workers and the reinstatement of their suspended president, Dr Jimoh Umar.
During the demonstration on the hospital premises, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kogi State, Dr. Olushola Baoku, decried the excessive workload caused by a severe staff shortage.
“We are demanding the recruitment of more doctors at FTHL because we are overwhelmed by work overload due to the gross inadequacy of doctors, nurses, attendants, and even cleaners,” Baoku said.
The doctors also called for the immediate reinstatement of ARD FTHL President, Dr. Umar, citing a directive from the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, approving his reinstatement.
Baoku attributed the staff shortage to what he described as a “self-inflicted migration” rather than the commonly referenced “Japa syndrome.” He explained that the casualization of doctors had driven many to leave the hospital.
“We call on the Chief Medical Director (CMD) to advertise and recruit more doctors and health workers immediately. Even though the CMD claims he has not been granted waivers by the federal government, we appeal to the Minister to urgently grant waivers to enable recruitment,” Baoku added.
The doctors emphasized the need for an efficient healthcare system, demanding that all departments and equipment at FTHL—including the Accident & Emergency unit, X-ray facilities, ICU, and Dialysis Unit—function optimally.
“This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to deliver quality healthcare to Nigerians,” Baoku said.
The protesters also warned against any victimization of staff for exercising their constitutional rights to demand equity, fairness, and accountability.
“There should be no victimisation for demanding our rights. We should not be silenced or queried for speaking out,” Baoku stated.
The protest followed multiple letters sent to the Minister of Health, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and the Head of Service, urging action on their demands. The doctors warned that continued inaction by the hospital management and federal authorities could jeopardize healthcare delivery and undermine the government’s healthcare vision.
Dr. Umar, who was suspended in 2024 for actions taken in his capacity as a union leader, has garnered support from the protesting doctors, who insist his suspension was unjust and should be reversed.
