JUTH Faces ‘Japa’ Fever as Medical Personnel Resignations Surge Weekly

The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) is grappling with a concerning trend as medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and radiographers, submit resignation letters on a weekly basis, seeking opportunities abroad.

Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, expressed alarm over the dwindling number of medical professionals within the hospital. He attributed this exodus to both “push and pull factors,” emphasizing the urgent need for replacing vacant positions to maintain effective service delivery.

Among the challenges highlighted by Dr. Bupwatda were obsolete and inadequate work tools, inadequate power supply, and acts of sabotage. He voiced concerns about the impact on the pursuit of excellence in a hospital that boasts great teachers, consultants, and staff dedicated to saving lives.

The Chief Medical Director revealed, “Every week, I receive a letter of resignation from staff who are relocating from Nigeria to other countries. Radiographers, in particular, seem to be a significantly affected group.”

Dr. Bupwatda pointed to the push factors, including a poor working environment, rising costs of commodities affecting basic needs, and the impact of frequent strikes and industrial disharmony. He emphasized that these conditions create a hostile working environment, prompting healthcare professionals to seek opportunities in more stable settings.

Addressing the resource limitations, Dr. Bupwatda stated, “The equipment to work with are lacking. We are in a resource-limited setting. So, all they learned, they will not be able to put fully into practice because some of the equipment that they need is not available.”

He further explained that the pull factors contributing to the exodus include better pay in foreign countries, the allure of earning in dollars, and improved living conditions, including access to better schools for their children.

In the face of this ‘Japa’ fever affecting JUTH, Dr. Bupwatda urged relevant stakeholders to address the challenges promptly, advocating for an immediate replacement of vacant positions and an upgrade of essential medical equipment to create a conducive working environment and retain skilled medical professionals within the hospital.