Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia has responded to the growing shortage of medical personnel by welcoming 28 new medical doctors.
This move comes as part of an initiative to address vacancies left by doctors who have migrated abroad in search of better opportunities.
In a statement released on Monday, Chief Medical Director Dr. Ikrama Hassan highlighted the challenges posed by the exodus of healthcare workers, a trend that has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Developed nations opened their borders to healthcare workers, especially medical doctors, due to lapses revealed during the pandemic," Dr. Ikrama explained.
He noted that states across Nigeria face a dual challenge as medical professionals often migrate either internationally or to federal health institutions, creating significant gaps in local healthcare delivery.
Despite these challenges,
Dr. Ikrama expressed optimism about the hospital's ability to address the personnel shortage.
"The governor of Nasarawa State has prioritized the health sector, granting DASH express permission to swiftly replace departing staff to ensure uninterrupted patient care," he stated.
The addition of 28 doctors is seen as a crucial step towards bolstering the hospital's capacity to meet the healthcare needs of the community.
Dr. Ikrama emphasized that the new medical personnel bring diverse skills and experiences that will enhance DASH's capabilities across various specialties, thereby improving service delivery and patient outcomes. He also mentioned that the hospital expects to hire more doctors, as the current number may still be insufficient to meet the daily influx of patients.
Reflecting on the broader impact, Dr. Ikrama praised the government's proactive measures, saying,
"The proactive measures taken by Nasarawa State demonstrate a commitment to addressing healthcare gaps and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery.
He expressed confidence in the hospital's ability to overcome current staffing challenges and continue serving the community effectively.
