JAPA : LUTH Closes 5 Wards Due to Manpower Shortage

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has closed five wards due to a shortage of manpower, according to the House of Representatives Committee on Health, Lagos State. The committee attributed the decline in the country’s health manpower to the relocation of doctors and nurses from LUTH to various parts of the world.

Hon. Amos Magaji, the committee’s chairman, expressed concern over the situation, noting that the legislative branch is working to address the growing number of Nigerians seeking medical treatment overseas. Magaji emphasized the need for a collaborative effort between the committee, the federal government, and LUTH to find solutions to the challenges.

Addressing the issue, Magaji stated, “It is not something that can be fixed in one day, but nevertheless, we are going to be approaching it piecemeal. We are going to do what we can do immediately and what we can do long-term.”

He highlighted the committee’s focus on resolving the challenges related to the “japa” phenomenon (migration of healthcare workers abroad), starting from university enrollment, employment of house officers, and the residency program. Magaji acknowledged the sacrifices made by healthcare workers and assured that the committee is actively working to deliver affordable and accessible healthcare to Nigerians.