CMD raises alarm as 600 health workers resign from UCH

Nigeria’s foremost tertiary health institution, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan is being hit with exodus of 600 health workers within the last one year.

At least, 15 Nurses, Doctors and Pharmacists, among others exit UCH on a weekly basis.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UCH, Prof. Abiodun Otegbayo, on Monday confirmed resignation of clinicians.

According to him, “Every week, I signed resignation letters of 15 health workers at the institution, who are mostly clinicians, that is, Nurses, Doctors and Pharmacists, among others.”

Hence, the CMD called for removal of bottlenecks in replacing workforce due to mass exodus of health workers.

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Otegbayo made the call at a news conference marking the 65th Founder’s Day celebration of UCH in Ibadan, on Monday.

He said from 2020 to October 15, 2022, no fewer than 600 clinical staff had left the hospital, noting that bureaucracy bottlenecks had been hindering their replacement.

He said that there was an acute shortage of manpower due to push and pull factors, such as poor welfare of workers and insecurity, among others.

Otegbayo said that UCH had been committed to effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria and West African Sub-region.

The chief medical director said the institution would continue in its strides as infrastructure and facilities were being overhauled in addition to human capital development.

He commended the staff members of the institution for their dedication and commitment to uplifting the institution by giving in their best and according respect to the patients.

Otegbayo said the institution had acquired two sets of Auto Clave, 64-Slice CT machines and two Mammography machines to improve clinical services.

“Just as the physical infrastructure is being developed, so also is the administration bringing in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance service delivery. We have not rested on our oars as we keep acquiring new equipment.

“It is our style to keep on acquiring equipment that position the hospital at the forefront of demands for best clinical practices.

“Perhaps one of our most significant achievements in the last 65 years of our existence has been a truly indigenous elaboration and facelift of the University College Hospital. However, like I said, we keep improving, between the times we produced the scorecards and now, we have continued with our projects, acquired new equipment, got more help and upgraded our services.

“In the area of physical infrastructure, we have made the following milestones: Completion of the Molecular Laboratory, completion of the rehabilitation of the burnt Tailoring and Laundry building.

“Completion and equipping of the West West Block 4. ongoing renovation, rehabilitation of the North West Block.

“Completion of renovation works on the Radiology Block VI, painting of the exterior of the Mortuary Block and continuation of the interior of the Mortuary Block,” Otegbayo said.

Otegbayo said that the institution yearly attended to documented 14,000 out-patients and 10,000 in-patients and it’s committed to quality service delivery and leverage on technology. (NAN)