Health Secretary Dr. Iziaq Salako expressed confidence in mass immigration of health care professionals (commonly known as “JAPA Syndrome”) and would soon disappear.
Salako spoke during her working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday, attributed this optimism to key reforms and policies proposed by President Bra Tinub’s administration aimed at strengthening the health sector .
“In the economic reality of Nigeria, health workers are among the highest paid professionals, but, besides the increase in salary, we must develop a stronger commitment and passion for the profession,” Sarako said.
He stressed that raising the salary of doctors alone would not solve the challenges facing the health care sector. “If we increase the salary of doctors, other professionals, such as teachers, will also need a raise,” he explained.
Salako urges healthcare professionals to embrace patriotism and consider the long-term interests of staying in the country. “East or west, home is the best. No matter where you go, you are still a second-class citizen,” he said.
Salako acknowledges the challenges facing higher hospitals, especially in terms of power supply, and he praised UBTH for its innovative management of the issue. He promised to provide more government funding for public hospitals, stressing: “Health is the essence of life and sufficient funding is key to addressing the challenges of the sector.”
The minister also linked “JAPA syndrome” to a broader economic problem and pointed out that it requires a comprehensive approach. “With policy development, especially those focusing on capacity building, the trend will quickly change,” he said.
Professor Darlington Obaseki, UBTH’s chief medical director, highlighted the severe staff shortage in the hospital despite its affordable reputation for quality care. “We currently have over 500 patients, but only 750 nurses work in three shifts. This is almost not enough to cover clinics, theaters and inpatient care. We also have about 250 consultants and less than 300 resident doctors,” Obaseki said .
He called on the government to urgently address the shortage of health care workers in order to maintain the quality of services.
