Federal Medical Centre in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, is set to address staffing challenges as the Federal Government approves the recruitment of 200 medical and clinical staffs.
The decision comes in response to the increasing migration of health workers from the FMC in Abeokuta to foreign nations.
According to infomation gatherd , the approval was communicated through a letter from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation to the FMC Medical Director on November 24.
The letter, marked HCSF/SPSO/ODD/E&WP/650361, granted a waiver to employ 100 medical staff under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, along with 50 nursing officers and 50 nursing superintendents under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
The approval is specifically tied to the 2023 Approved Establishment position of the Centre, covering the proposed recruitment.
The FMC in Abeokuta was urged to obtain clearance from the Budget Office of the Federation in line with established circulars before proceeding with the recruitment.
Additionally, adherence to existing rules, including the Federal Character principle, was emphasized while filling the vacancies.
Confirming the authenticity of the letter, the spokesman for the medical centre, Segun Orisajor, highlighted the positive impact of the recruitment on addressing staff shortages attributed to the “Japa syndrome.” This term refers to the trend of professionals leaving the country for opportunities abroad.
In a phone interview, Orisajor expressed the Medical Director’s appreciation for the gesture, stating that the recruitment would alleviate the burden on existing staff.
Dr. Jimoh Saheed, Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, previously revealed that the FMC in Abeokuta had lost around 50 consultants and 150 resident doctors to the Japa syndrome in the last four years. The approved recruitment aims to mitigate the impact of this trend on healthcare services in the region.
