The Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Health Institutions, Dr Patrick Umoh, has said that the Federal Government plans to hold a national meeting with key stakeholders before December to tackle the growing trend of Nigerian doctors leaving the country—popularly called the Japa syndrome.
Dr Umoh made this known during an oversight visit to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said the issue has become very worrying, as more doctors are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. He explained that the Federal Government hopes to hold a national colloquium (meeting) that will focus on how to improve the working conditions of medical workers in Nigeria.
“The *Japa syndrome* is something we are all worried about. We are planning a national colloquium to address the issue before the end of the year,” he said.
He added that it’s not just about increasing salaries, but also about making doctors feel proud and committed to serving their country.
“We will partner with stakeholders to improve the welfare of doctors and get people committed to the country. It’s not just about money. It’s also about patriotism,” Umoh said.
He noted that lawmakers are working on new laws that will improve the health system and provide incentives for doctors to stay in Nigeria.
During the visit, Dr Umoh praised the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Dr Wasiu Adeyemo, and his team for their dedication and efforts to upgrade the hospital.
“We have looked at the hospital and its documents. We are impressed with the cleanliness and the ongoing projects. We commend the partners and donors who are helping the hospital serve the masses,” Umoh said.
He promised that the committee would work to ensure LUTH gets better power supply, as a steady alternative power source is vital for a teaching hospital.
Also speaking during the visit, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Dr Adeshola Adedayo, encouraged the hospital to host regular appreciation events for donors and partners.
“This will encourage more people to support the hospital, since the government alone cannot do everything,” Adedayo said.
In response, Dr Wasiu Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, thanked the lawmakers for their visit and support. He said the hospital was facing both internal and external *Japa syndrome* challenges.
“Many of our staff are leaving to work with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, because LASUTH pays better than the Federal Government,” Adeyemo said.
He stressed the need for better salaries and overall welfare for doctors, not just to stop them from travelling abroad but also to prevent them from leaving federal hospitals for state-owned ones.
“We need to improve their pay and conditions so they stay and serve here,” he added.
