Health

Abayomi Urges FG to Enhance Doctors’ Working Conditions Amid Japa Syndrome

Published

9 months ago

September 2, 2024

Professor Akin Abayomi, the commissioner for health in Lagos State, has said the only antidote to check ‘Japa’ syndrome in the medical profession is to make it more attractive and inspiring.

During the 48th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meetings, tagged ‘Ibadan 2024’ organised by the Nigerian Society for Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Nigeria held in Ibadan, the professor said this.
Abayomi in his keynote address entitled ‘Haematology practice in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects’ said, “People abroad want to come back home. Some of them have called me. What we have to do is to make the environment conducive for them. For many reasons, some of us (doctors) have travelled out of the country. You start to wonder: what am I still doing in this country? You want to buy fuel, some petrol attendants fill your tank with water and you get to Lagos your driver took the wrong way and LASTMA officials jump in front of your car and escort you to a random place. You are wondering whether you are being kidnapped. The next thing you do is to go to the airport, get a ticket and get out of the country.”

Making a case for improved working conditions, he said at the moment, there are about 3.9 doctors to 10,000 people in Nigeria adding that on average, there is only one pathologist to 500,000-1 million people.

He advised both the government and the medical practitioners to create more opportunities for specialist training and engage in the mass production of medical professionals.

Professor Jesse Otegbayo, speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, who was represented by Professor Sola Olawoye, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, said: “We acknowledge the critical role that haematology plays in the health-care system of our nation. Haematologists and blood transfusion specialists are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to diagnose, treat, and manage blood disorders, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

Abuja Reports

‘Death Trap’: Clinic Serving 8000 Residents in Kwali Stands in Ruins

Published

18 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adewunmi Oluwaseun

In the heart of Kwali Area Council, the only health centre serving over 8,000 residents across five farming settlements stands in ruins; stripped of a roof, water, electricity, beds, or basic equipment.

A recent field visit by civic platform Monitng exposed the Gomani Primary Health Centre as a “death trap,” demanding urgent intervention from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senator Ireti Kingibe.

The group painted a grim picture: leaking roofs, crumbling walls, no emergency space, and a complete absence of functional medical infrastructure. Yet, pregnant women, sick children, and the elderly still flock to the centre – the only glimmer of medical hope for miles.

“The facility is unfit for humans, let alone healthcare,” Monitng said in a statement. “A complete rebuild is the only option. Health workers here improvise with nothing.”

This reality contrasts sharply with Abuja’s rising health budgets – ₦10.6 billion in 2023, ₦14.8 billion in 2024, and a proposed ₦17.7 billion for 2025 – and the recent approval of ₦1.1 trillion for capital projects.

Despite donor support from WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Global Fund, Monitng insists local authorities must take responsibility. “Rural communities deserve more than abandoned buildings,” the group stressed.

Residents say the centre, once promising, is now a hazard – not a hospital.

Health

FG Unveils Zinc Rich Rice to Combat Malnutrition

Published

3 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Federal Government has launched two new rice varieties, FARO 71 and FARO 72, in a bold move to fight malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, unveiled the fortified rice in Abuja, highlighting its potential to improve health outcomes while boosting food security.

Developed in collaboration with HarvestPlus and the National Cereals Research Institute, the rice varieties are enriched with zinc, supplying up to 40 percent of the daily recommended intake.

Aside from their nutritional benefits, FARO 71 and FARO 72 are designed to deliver high yields, resist pests, and withstand drought — qualities expected to appeal to farmers and improve national productivity.

With Nigeria reportedly losing $1.5 billion annually to nutrient deficiencies, the government hopes these fortified staples will play a critical role in reversing the trend and promoting public health through agriculture.

Health

FG Boosts Nursing Enrollment to 115,000 to Bridge Healthcare Gap

Published

3 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

In a major move to tackle Nigeria’s growing healthcare workforce shortage, the Federal Government has increased the annual enrollment of nursing students from 28,000 to 115,000.

The announcement was made on April 28, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare and education sectors under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The surge, surpassing the original target of 110,000 students, is the result of collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Health & Social Welfare.

The milestone was achieved thanks to the leadership of Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and support from industry experts, the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, and teaching hospitals.