The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has expressed concern over the frequent abduction of its members nationwide, urging tiers of government to address the situation.

Dr Rahman Olayinka, president of ARD-FCTA, made the appeal on Monday during a press conference to announce the 2024 Annual Health Week and Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference of the association.

The theme for the event is “Safeguarding the Nigerian Healthcare System”.

Mr Olayinka described the abductions as a major concern, emphasising that the insecurity is one of the key reasons doctors are leaving Nigeria for better opportunities abroad, alongside issues of poor welfare.

“It is no surprise that in Nigeria today, we are witnessing what we call the ‘Japa syndrome.’

“This is because the welfare of healthcare workers has not been adequately addressed by the government.

“Why do doctors seek greener pastures abroad? It’s simple: limited working hours, better remuneration, and access to quality healthcare.

“In Nigeria, however, doctors often work under such extreme conditions that they fall ill themselves and cannot afford proper healthcare.

“It is shameful that as healthcare practitioners, we cannot access the same healthcare system we work in. These unresolved issues have driven many healthcare workers out of the country in search of better opportunities”.

Olayinka also noted that healthcare workers, including members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), have consistently engaged the government on welfare issues, including salaries, working conditions, and security.

He, however, lamented that these concerns remain largely unaddressed.

“The lack of proper equipment, inadequate working environments, and poor security in hospitals are contributing factors to the migration of health workers.

“These challenges affect the delivery of optimal healthcare to patients across the country,” he added.

Olayinka also shared a recent case of a medical doctor abducted from within a hospital premises.

“We are grateful that the doctor has been released, but we all know the efforts that went into securing their freedom. If security and welfare cannot be guaranteed in the workplace, what do we expect?” he asked.

Turning to broader healthcare goals, Olayinka stressed the need for greater investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system, starting with primary healthcare, to achieve the 2030 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) target.

“FCT doctors have been actively contributing to the primary healthcare sector through various outreach programmes in areas like Bwari, Gwarinpa, and Kuje.

“These initiatives aim to bring healthcare closer to the people, and they must continue to ensure we meet the UHC target,” he said.

He expressed appreciation for the efforts of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, led by minister Nyesom Wike and mandate secretary, Adedolapo Fasawe.

He noted their huge contributions toward strengthening healthcare services in the FCT.

“Some health cases can be resolved at the primary healthcare level before escalating to general or tertiary hospitals.

“Investing in the health system, particularly primary healthcare, is essential if we are to meet the 2030 UHC goal,” Mr Olayinka said.

As part of the Annual Health Week, ARD-FCTA will offer free medical services to the public to further support efforts toward achieving universal health coverage.

Sub-themes of the event include, “The Impact of the Abduction of Medical Doctors on Healthcare Services” and “What Constitutes Medical Negligence and What to Do When Caught in the Web”.

(NAN)