The Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) on Thursday announced plans to implement reforms aimed at tackling challenges in healthcare financing and the emigration of medical staff—issues that have long plagued Nigeria’s health sector.

Speaking during a press briefing to mark the hospital’s first-year anniversary, Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, acknowledged that the “japa” syndrome, particularly among healthcare workers, remains a significant challenge.
However, he said the hospital is adopting innovative strategies to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Prof. Ojo revealed that FUTATH will accommodate existing staff while creating opportunities for visiting, part-time, and contract medical personnel as part of its strategy to strengthen workforce capacity.

On healthcare financing, the CMD described the issue as a global challenge but noted that FUTATH plans to establish a dedicated fund to assist patients requiring costly treatments, particularly those battling cancer and other chronic conditions.
“As for the migration of medical staff, it is a general problem in Nigeria, and we are only experiencing our share of it. What we are doing is developing installed capacity to accommodate available staff,” Prof. Ojo said.
He added: “Previously, the hospital could not absorb more than half of the available workforce. Now, we are expanding services and opening opportunities. We are optimistic that our medical staff capacity will increase from this point onward.”

Addressing healthcare financing, Prof. Ojo said: “This is a major challenge worldwide. Nigeria, in particular, lacks a well-developed medical insurance system. However, we have an insurance department doing its best, and the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission is supporting many indigent patients. Beyond that, our administration is looking to establish a fund to support those truly in need.”
He disclosed plans to attract additional funding from NGOs and to manage the initiative through the hospital’s Medical Social Workers’ Department.

Named the Alaanu Fund, it will provide financial assistance to patients who genuinely cannot afford medical care.
The CMD added that the immediate focus for the first two years of his administration will be to strengthen service delivery and lay a solid foundation for future growth in both staff capacity and healthcare financing.