Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme, says improving working conditions and access to modern medical equipment is beginning to reverse the growing “Japa” trend among Nigerian health professionals, with some doctors now returning to the country “Japada”.

Ikpeme spoke at the weekend during a media briefing after a facility tour of the hospital, where he outlined ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure, improve electricity supply and create a more conducive environment for medical personnel.

The CMD said health workers naturally migrate to places where welfare, equipment and work conditions are better, stressing that institutions also have a responsibility to make the local environment attractive.

“Every professional wants where he or she can earn a good salary, live comfortably, and have the right tools to work with,” he said.

According to him, improved welfare packages by government and ongoing upgrades within the hospital are beginning to encourage some professionals who travelled abroad to reconsider returning home.

Ikpeme said the hospital has focused on providing modern equipment and improved workspaces to discourage the migration of skilled personnel overseas.

He disclosed that the hospital now maintains 24-hour electricity supply in critical units including the Intensive Care Unit, labour ward, theatres and radiology department.

The CMD added that the hospital recently acquired advanced medical equipment, including a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, noting that lack of modern facilities had previously pushed many specialists to seek opportunities abroad.

He said several departments and wards have also undergone renovation and remodelling to improve both staff working conditions and patient care.

According to him, some health workers were visibly impressed by the upgraded facilities, particularly the Intensive Care Unit, during the inspection tour.

Beyond infrastructure, Ikpeme said the hospital management has intensified environmental sanitation measures to tackle mosquito infestation and poor drainage within the facility.

He disclosed that the hospital constructed major drainage channels to evacuate flood water, although poor maintenance of drainage systems outside the hospital continues to pose challenges.

The CMD added that management now incorporates mosquito-repellent plants, quarterly fumigation and fixed protective nets in renovated wards as part of efforts to improve hygiene and reduce insects.

Ikpeme maintained that better welfare, improved workspaces and access to modern medical equipment remain critical to reducing the continued migration of Nigerian health professionals abroad.