The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), Dr Olatunde Alabi, has denied allegations of a severe manpower shortage at the hospital.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, Alabi responded to claims by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) that the hospital was facing an industrial crisis and staff shortages.

Contrary to ARD’s claim that the hospital has only 43 doctors, Alabi stated that FTHL currently has 228 doctors still in service at the teaching hospital.

He clarified that this includes 49 resident doctors, 86 consultants, 42 medical officers, 43 house officers, and seven visiting consultants in specialised fields where there are shortages.

Alabi described ARD’s claim as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the hospital’s reputation, calling it misleading and embarrassing to the institution.

“I wonder where they got such negative and unfair information. This is an embarrassment to the hospital,” he said.

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He added that he had no issues with any union except those unwilling to follow civil service rules and regulations.

“This group is a small faction of ARD members who refuse to accept correction,” Alabi stated.

Refuting claims that no doctors had been employed since 2012, he said the hospital recruited healthcare workers, including doctors, in 2013 and 2022.

“We recruited resident doctors regularly until the government’s IPPIS policy restricted us. Some left due to the ‘Japa’ syndrome, affecting hospitals nationwide,” he explained.

Addressing concerns over allowances and arrears, Alabi insisted that no staff salaries were owed, though the management was responsible for ensuring timely payment of allowances.

“Hazard allowances are paid by the Federal Government through IPPIS,” he added.

Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised the need for a peaceful work environment, unity, and a harmonious relationship between staff and hospital management.

The Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Idris Abdul-Miliki, urged both parties to resolve conflicts through dialogue.

Miliki advised the CMD to engage more with staff to address concerns before they escalate into major disputes