The Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has urgently appealed for intervention to address the severe shortage of medical staff within the institution.
Expressing their concerns, the association called upon the Federal Government to allocate additional resources and extend support to the institution. This, they believe, would enhance the quality of healthcare services and alleviate the strain on the existing staff.
Tope Osundara, the President of the ARD at the institution, emphasized the persistent issue of understaffing at the hospital. He highlighted the adverse effects, including prolonged waiting times for patients, diminished access to care, and extended hospital stays.
Osundara also expressed apprehension regarding the well-being of the medical staff, who, due to the staffing shortages, are working extended hours to fulfill their caregiving duties.
He said, “All over the country, the situation is very bad. FMC Abeokuta is not just having this situation in isolation. So, if you search through almost all the hospitals in Nigeria, you will discover that the number of doctors that we have is not adequate to carry out the daily routine and daily service for humanity and for the health of all the patients who visit FMC Abeokuta.
“FMC Abeokuta also needs doctors and presently, we are short of staff, we are using this opportunity to call on relevant stakeholders to also look in the direction of FMC Abeokuta so that more doctors can come to the centre and we can render adequate service in terms of health to every citizen and every Ogun state indigene.
“One of the things that can be done to curb the incessant exodus of doctors out of the country is to ensure that the welfare of doctors is looked into.
“When the government ensures that the welfare of doctors is given top priority, I believe that things will change for the better.”
Osundara, however, expressed appreciation for the completion of the new medical facility, noting that it would enhance the quality of healthcare services provided.
Reacting to the ARD president’s appeal, the FMC Medical Director, Musa Olomu said the institution is making efforts to address the shortage of doctors plaguing the hospital.
“We will still get the approval to employ and I think in the next one week, we should be able to get it from the head of service in Abuja, “ he assured.
