Health unions in Lokoja have dismissed claims that the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL) is in crisis. The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) say the hospital is functioning well, despite protests by some doctors.
Recently, a group of doctors staged a protest, demanding the reinstatement of their sacked leader, the former president of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD). However, health unions at the hospital say the protest is misleading and does not represent the true situation.
Speaking to journalists, JOHESU chairman at FTHL, Comrade Umoche Enefola John, criticized the protestors. He said they do not have the hospital’s best interests at heart and are spreading false information. He also stressed that all hospital staff must follow public service rules and maintain high moral standards.
Comrade John explained that the hospital is run by top management, led by the Chief Medical Director (CMD). Decisions are made through proper consultations, not by individuals. He urged anyone with disciplinary issues to follow due process instead of creating unnecessary tension.
The health unions also warned that they would not allow anyone to disrupt the hospital’s operations. They called on the Minister of Health to step in and ensure the situation is handled properly.
Another major claim by the protestors was that the hospital lacks enough doctors. However, NANNM chairman, Comrade Abdulmalik Idris, dismissed this as false. He stated that FTHL has 228 doctors, including:
- 86 consultants
- 49 resident doctors
- 7 visiting consultants
- 42 medical officers
- 43 health officers
Dr. Lawal Muhammed, a consultant clinical pharmacist at FTHL, also debunked the crisis claims. He said the hospital remains fully functional and urged the public to ignore false reports.
