Resident Doctors at Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja Demand Urgent Government Intervention
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja (FTHL), has called on President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, to urgently address deteriorating conditions at the hospital, which they warn could lead to its total collapse.
During a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, former ARD chairman Dr. Olushola Baoku expressed deep concern over the drastic decline in the hospital’s workforce. According to him, the number of doctors has plummeted from 315 to just 43 due to poor working conditions.
Baoku described the hospital as a “slave camp” under the leadership of Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Olatunde Alabi, citing several pressing issues. These include doctors being placed on temporary contracts that are renewed every two months, the absence of pension plans, non-payment of hazard allowances, and a lack of functional medical equipment.
The protesting doctors also highlighted the hospital’s inability to respond to medical emergencies, pointing to a tragic incident in which a staff member lost their life due to a power outage.
Additionally, the ARD members demanded the reinstatement of their suspended president, Dr. Jimoh Umar. Baoku alleged that despite a directive from the Minister of Health, issued through Permanent Secretary Ms. Kachollom Shangti Daju on December 12, 2024, instructing Umar’s reinstatement, the CMD had refused to comply.
Vowing to sustain their protests until their grievances are resolved, the doctors urged the government to intervene immediately to prevent the hospital from further deterioration.
