The Nasarawa State-owned healthcare facility, the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, has employed 28 new medical doctors.
According to The PUNCH, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Ikrama Hassan confirmed the development in a statement.
According to the statement, the CMD explained that the initiative aims to fill the vacancies left by those who had departed the hospitals in pursuit of opportunities abroad.
Ikrama acknowledged the challenges posed by brain drain in the medical profession, particularly intensified by the post-COVID-19 pandemic.
“The lapses in the medical world highlighted during the pandemic prompted developed nations to open their borders to healthcare givers, especially medical doctors.
“The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule prioritises the healthcare sector, that was why he granted DASH the express permission to swiftly replace the departing staff to ensure uninterrupted patient care,” he stated.
The CMD emphasised the challenges faced by states across Nigeria, where medical professionals often migrate either internationally or to federal health institutions, creating significant gaps in local healthcare delivery.
Ikrama highlighted the strategic importance of these new appointments, noting that, “The addition of 28 doctors is a crucial step towards bolstering our capacity to meet the healthcare needs of our community.
“The influx of the new medical personnel is expected to enhance DASH’s capabilities across various specialities, thereby improving service delivery and patient outcomes. These doctors bring diverse skills and experiences that will enrich our healthcare services.”
The CMD further explained that the 28 doctors employed were not enough, adding that the hospital was expecting more doctors because of the number of patients that the hospital attends to daily.
He further expressed confidence in the hospital’s ability to overcome current staffing challenges, saying “With these new appointments, we are poised to maintain high standards of healthcare provision and continue serving our community effectively.”
