ABUTH to recruit 518 health workers to combat effects of ‘japa syndrome’

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, is set to recruit 518 new health professionals to address workforce shortages caused by the migration of healthcare workers abroad, popularly referred to as ‘japa syndrome’.

The Chief Medical Director of ABUTH, Prof Ahmed Umdagas, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Zaria. He noted that the hospital had been grappling with a lack of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health workers due to the exodus of professionals seeking opportunities abroad. Umdagas revealed that the hospital received over 7,500 applications for the advertised vacancies but was only approved to hire 518 personnel.

“The recruitment process has been completed, and by the first quarter of 2025, we will have an additional 518 staff members, which will significantly enhance healthcare delivery at the hospital. We believe this new cohort will strengthen health outcomes,” he said. He further stated that over 460 staff members had undergone training in local and international programmes to improve healthcare delivery.

He assured that such initiatives would be expanded in 2025, highlighting recent training by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to improve patient care.
Umdagas also mentioned ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders to enhance the hospital’s capacity. Among these is a partnership with the University of Miami, USA, on ovarian cancer treatment.

Under this initiative, research will be conducted on 70 patients globally, with ABUTH assessing 20 patients. Ten patients will be treated in the Bahamas, while the remaining 40 will be managed at the University of Miami.

The CMD reaffirmed ABUTH’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, leveraging recruitment, training, and strategic partnerships to address workforce challenges and improve patient outcomes.

He assured that such initiatives would be expanded in 2025, highlighting recent training by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to improve patient care.

Umdagas also mentioned ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders to enhance the hospital’s capacity. Among these is a partnership with the University of Miami, USA, on ovarian cancer treatment.

Under this initiative, research will be conducted on 70 patients globally, with ABUTH assessing 20 patients. Ten patients will be treated in the Bahamas, while the remaining 40 will be managed at the University of Miami.

The CMD reaffirmed ABUTH’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, leveraging recruitment, training, and strategic partnerships to address workforce challenges and improve patient outcomes.