Posted on: Wed 19-02-2025

Benin City: The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adekunle Salako, stated on Monday that despite the ongoing “japa” syndrome affecting the health sector, medical workers remain among the highest-paid professionals in Nigeria. He also assured that the Federal Government is committed to increasing healthcare funding to ensure access to quality care for Nigerians

Dr. Salako made this assertion during a working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where he praised the hospital’s management for their dedication and innovation. He emphasized the government’s prioritization of healthcare workers.

He said, “The challenge of ‘Japa’ in the health sector is mostly an economic challenge, and we will continue to address it. But the economic problem is practically beyond the health sector. I believe that the trend of ‘Japa’ will eventually be reversed.

“Within Nigeria’s economic capacity, health workers are still the best-paid professionals in the country, which shows the government’s prioritization and value for them.

“We will continue to advocate for increased healthcare funding. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has clearly demonstrated a priority focus on health.

“There are few requests we make that the President doesn’t grant. He understands the importance of health and gives it significant attention. We must continue to reciprocate this by showing commitment, hard work, and dedication to the people.”

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, described the hospital as a major training ground for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. However, he highlighted that the current workforce of 250 consultants, 300 resident doctors, and 750 nurses is inadequate to meet the needs of over 500 daily patients.

He noted, “We are a major producer of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, training resident doctors and producing specialized medical manpower.

“We have 29 clinical departments, 28 of which are fully accredited by the West African Colleges.”

He noted, “We are a major producer of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, training resident doctors and producing specialized medical manpower.

“We have 29 clinical departments, 28 of which are fully accredited by the West African Colleges.”

Prof. Obaseki commended President Tinubu for increasing the hospital’s funding, which has contributed to improved healthcare delivery.

SOURCE: VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

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