Resignations Surge Among Jos University Teaching Hospital Medical Personnel Due to Relocation and Poor Conditions
Dr. Bupwatda highlighted the weekly influx of resignation letters from doctors, nurses, and health workers seeking opportunities abroad for a more favorable working environment. The situation mirrors a broader crisis in Nigerian healthcare, with major teaching and general hospitals grappling with a shortage of medical professionals.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, expressed deep concern over the significant increase in resignations among medical personnel at the hospital. This alarming trend, revealed by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), attributes the departures to poor working conditions and the government's failure to address staffing shortages.
Dr. Bupwatda highlighted the weekly influx of resignation letters from doctors, nurses, and health workers seeking opportunities abroad for a more favorable working environment. The situation mirrors a broader crisis in Nigerian healthcare, with major teaching and general hospitals grappling with a shortage of medical professionals.
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Recent reports indicated the closure of a Behavioral Science/Psychiatry section at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) in Osun State due to staffing shortages. The House of Representatives Committee on Health also voiced concerns about the impact of healthcare professionals relocating abroad, leading to the closure of wards in hospitals like Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Dr. Amos Magaji, Chairman of the committee, described the situation as worrisome and emphasized legislative efforts to curb the rising trend of medical tourism. Meanwhile, Dr. Bupwatda called for immediate replacements to fill vacant positions at JUTH to ensure effective service delivery.
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The CMD outlined several challenges contributing to the exodus, including obsolete and inadequate equipment, insufficient power supply, rising living costs, and the impact of frequent strikes and industrial disharmony. The call for urgent intervention from relevant stakeholders resonates as JUTH strives to maintain its pursuit of excellence in healthcare amid the ongoing healthcare personnel crisis.
