James Omietimi, the chief medical director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa in Bayelsa, says the ‘japa syndrome’ is the major challenge confronting and still lingering in the health facility.

In an interview with journalists on Monday in Yenagoa, Mr Omietimi disclosed that the Japa syndrome has negatively impacted the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.

“This japa movement has been a major challenge, not only for us here in FMC Yenagoa but most of the hospitals across Nigeria as a country,” he said.

The new CMD had been a staff member at the hospital for over 25 years before his appointment a few months ago.

He highlighted some of the challenges faced due to the departure of health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad and also the rate at which health professionals were being kidnapped in the country.

“Most of our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab scientists are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures abroad at an alarming rate.

“This movement has led to understaffing here and a big workload on the remaining medical professionals,” he said.

The CMD said other aspects included poor remuneration and lack of security for personnel and infrastructure development.

He called for the retirement age for medical health workers to increase from 60 to 65, or even 70, as it was for other professions, such as university lecturers and judges.

Mr Omietimi reassured the general public of the hospital’s commitment to providing medical services despite the shortage of clinical personnel.

He said the FMC had grown from what it was then and has remained one of the best hospitals in Bayelsa.

Mr Omietimi urged the Bayelsa government led by Governor Douye Diri to open doors for partnerships in the state’s medical sector, not only when there were major problems.  

(NAN)