By Deborah Nnamdi
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), has renewed its plea to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, to investigate the worsening conditions at the hospital, warning that it risks total collapse.
During a peaceful protest held at the hospital on Friday, January 31, 2025, Dr. Olushola Baoku, the immediate past Chairman of ARD, revealed that the hospital’s doctor count had plummeted from 315 to just 43 due to poor working conditions.
Baoku described the hospital as a “slave camp” under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Olatunde Alabi.
He highlighted issues such as temporary contracts renewed every two months, lack of pensions, hazard allowances, and non-functional medical facilities.
He lamented the hospital’s inability to treat emergencies, citing the death of a hospital staff member due to power outages.
The protesting doctors demanded the immediate reinstatement of their suspended President, Dr. Jimoh Umar, whose suspension followed demands for hospital reforms.
Baoku alleged that despite an order from the Minister of Health through the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Kachollom Shangti Daju, on December 12, 2024, directing Dr. Umar’s reinstatement, the CMD had refused to comply.
The association vowed to sustain its protests until their demands were met, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent the hospital’s total collapse.
