The Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, University College Hospital, Ibadan,UCH, Chapter, Mr. Oladayo Olabampe, says members will resume work on Monday following the suspension of the union’s 84-day-old strike.
Mr. Olabampe who disclosed this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ibadan, explained that the terms of agreement reached between the union’s leadership and the Federal Government would be communicated to members upon their resumption.
He noted that the Federal Government has promised to implement the unresolved salary adjustment under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS, in April this year, which informed the decision to suspend, rather than totally call off, the strike until full implementation.
Mr. Olabampe explained that the 84-day strike was not intended to inflict hardship on the public, but to demand an upward salary adjustment pending since 2014.
He commended the Federal Government for acceding to the union’s demands and urged members to remain calm and committed to their duties as they await the implementation of the agreed new salary structure in April.
Recalled that the national body of JOHESU declared a nationwide strike on November 15, 2025 over the Federal Government’s failure to implement the CONHESS salary structure, among other demands.
The action crippled the health sector and prompted the Federal Government to invoke a “no work, no pay” policy.
The strike was suspended on Friday following an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council,NEC, in Abuja, to allow for the full implementation of the agreement reached during negotiations.
Students of the University of Ibadan have staged a peaceful protest to express their grievances following a power outage at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan for the past 82 days.
The protest started from the UCH main gate through Total Garden to the State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.
The students carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “Restore Our Electricity, We are suffering.”
Speaking, the President Students’ Union, University of Ibadan, Mr Bolaji Aweda said, that students of the University of Ibadan at the College of Medicine, UCH, are mostly residents at the Alexander Brown Hall and Ayodele Falase Postgraduate Hall, stressing that they have passed through hardship due to lack of Water and Electricity, which had affected their health and studies.
While addressing the Protesters at the State Secretariat, Ibadan, shortly after submitting their demands through a letter to Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mr Sunday Odukoya commended the Students for their civility and comportment in expressing their grievances.
Mr Odukoya promised to relay their message to the Governor for further steps on their demands.
Our Correspondent reports that security men from the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, were on ground to maintain law and order during the protest.
Federal and State Ministries of Health have been advised to prevent Hepatitis B Virus through effective childhood immunization program.
Chief Medical Director, CMD, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo stated this while delivering the 548th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan, UI held at the Trenchard Hall of the institution.
The UCH CMD also suggested the need to activate and properly fund the special task force on viral hepatitis prevention.
Professor Otegbayo explained that Hepatitis B is a disease that cannot be seen but affects the heart, causing liver cirrhosis which can kill within six weeks if not reported early.
Professor Otegbayo while making reference to the statistics from the European Union, EU, said currently about 8 million people die from Hepatitis B virus annually while 13 million people are likely to die from the disease by the year 2050.
The Gastroenterology and Herpetology specialist citing the World Health Organization, WHO, explained further that the disease has global distribution while about 2 billion people have markers of the infection worldwide.
He said in Nigeria the prevalence rate of the disease ranges from 6% to 20% adding that more than twenty million people are living with Hepatitis B,C or both while more than 80% of people who have the disease do not know their status.
In Ibadan, Professor Otegbayo said 12% of HIV patient have been found to have a co-infection with Hepatitis B virus noting that the virus is spread in the ancient city among blood donors, health workers, people with multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, infants of infected mothers and through bloodletting, sacrificial and indiscriminate injections use.
He therefore advised government to adopt house-to-house immunization approach in tackling the disease to prevent greater havoc.
Professor Otegbayo implored Nigerians to embrace constant medical checks so as to prevent the disease.
Distribution Electricity Company, IBEDC, has restored power supply to the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
Chairman Joint Action Committee JAC UCH Mr Oladayo Olabampe confirmed the development to Radio Nigeria Ibadan.
Mr Olabampe said a meeting would be reconvened to enable workers to resume their normal shift for prompt health service delivery.
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) said the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan has paid 10 per cent of its indebtedness, and subsequently, a payment plan has been worked out.
The IBEDC spokesperson, Busolami Tunwase said she hoped the hospital management would fulfill its side of the agreement.
It would be recalled that Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, disconnected the Power Supply at Teaching Hospital from National Grid on the 19th of March this year over an accumulated bill of 495 million naira.
University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan workers under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee, JAC says it is taking steps to resolve the lingering crisis with the Management.
In a statement, joint Chairman, Mr Oladayo Olabampe and Secretary Mr Alabi Victor say JAC has been reaching out to well-meaning Nigerians for an amicable solution.
The statement points out that the workers were complying with the 8 am to 4 pm duty in line with the unions’ directive, stressing that the welfare of patients and staff remains a top priority and encouraging the staff to remain calm.
The crux of the crisis, according to the JAC, was the refusal of workers to resume night duties as directed by UCH’s management, due to a power outage.
The hospital management had, as a consequence, threatened the workers.
In a related development, the Association of Resident Doctors, UCH, has expressed solidarity with all health workers, concerning the sub-par working conditions.
This is contained in a statement by the President of the association, Dr John Oladapo.
Dr Oladapo said patient care had been hampered while hazard risk to hospital workers had increased.
Dr Oladapo stressed that medical doctors would remain available at their duty post to provide care and services needed by patients.
People are advised to take proper care of their oral health to avoid their mouths becoming infected with bacteria that could lead to life-threatening complications.
A consultant, who is a community dentist at University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Dr Olusola Ibiyemi who gave the advice while speaking on the occasion of this year’s Oral Health Day, pointed out that poor oral health could heat up the teeth, gum and bone of the mouth leading to serious health challenges.
Dr Ibiyemi also highlighted the symptoms of poor oral health care to include bad breath which could lead to low self-esteem and discomfort to whoever perceives the breath.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “A Happy Mouth Is a Happy Body”, Dr Ibiyemi emphasized that the mouth as a gateway to the body should be in good condition for other parts of the body to be healthy.
The medical expert advised people to brush their teeth twice daily and eat fruits to protect the soft tissues in the mouth.
Similarly, a dentist, Dr Omowumi Femi-Akinlosotu enjoined mothers to monitor and nurture their children’s oral health care and give them a balanced diet and fruits to aid the development of their teeth.
Some residents of Ibadan who spoke to Radio Nigeria urged the government to tackle the nation’s economic challenges as prices of oral items such as tubes of toothpaste and brushes have increased, leading to them to the use local chewing sticks which has several benefits.
In an effort to make physically challenged children in Oyo State feel the mood of the festive season, the Physiotherapy Department of the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan has organized a Christmas party for over four hundred beneficiaries.
Our correspondent reports that the event, which was held at UCH Ibadan, was an annual get-together for physically challenged children, which was initiated over fifty years ago.
Director, Physiotherapy Department, UCH, Ibadan, Mrs Muibat Akintayo, however, used the opportunity of the occasion to appeal to governments at all levels to implement policies that uplift the living standard of people with disability in the country.
Mrs Akintayo said it was imperative for the physically challenged to have easy access to public buildings, advocating their inclusion in the national health insurance scheme of the federal government.
While speaking on some of the causes of deformity in children, Mrs Akintayo highlighted meningitis, jaundice, and tractions during child delivery as some of the most common health conditions that are responsible for deformity in children in recent times.
Chairperson of the planning committee, Mrs Oyinlola Kehinde said the event was to help the children feel a sense of belonging during the festive season and to raise awareness on the need for members of the public to care for them..
Two parents, Mrs Awelewa Temitope and Mrs Okome Folorunso, were elated with the quality of gifts and hospitality given to the children and showered encomium on the Physiotherapy Department for the yearly gesture.
Different gift items including crutches and toys were presented to beneficiaries.
Speakers at a symposium held in Ibadan have described sexual disorders such as Lesbianism, Gay, Bisexuality and Transgender as abnormal behaviour which must be checked.
The symposium, which had the theme “LGBTQ: Perspectives” is an annual event by the doctor’s arm of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter and held at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
A consultant psychiatrist at UCH, Dr Tolulope Bella-Awusa said homosexualism is not mental disorder but could lead to depression and other illnesses.
A pastor, Muyiwa Bamgbose, who quoted from Romans Chapter One, said the Bible is against engaging in LGBTQ, describing it as being contrary to divine injunctions, and such attracts God’s judgment.
Pastor Bamigbose cited God’s destructive judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah as a notable example.
Director, Oyo State Mediation Centre, Dr Titilayo Dairo pointed out that all forms abnormal and unnatural sexual orientation are punishable under the criminal code in Nigeria.
Healthy lifestyle is essential to maintaining the brain’s function, thus safeguarding it against Alzheimer.
A Geriatric Neurologist and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Advance Medical Researchers and Training, College Of Medicine University of Ibadan, Professor Rufus Akinyemi made this known this at a news conference at University College Hospital, UCH, Campus, Ibadan to mark World Alzheimer’s Day.
Professor Akinyemi described Alzheimer as the most common type of dementia that occurs when the brain does not get enough circulation of blood.
The Geriatric Neurologist and Translational Neuroscientist explained that this disease is commonly found among the elderly, and it becomes severe when they do not have capacity to identify things, remember things or function independently on their own.
Professor Akinyemi said Dementia is a global problem that needed public attention, as it could spike by 2030 it not urgently addressed.
He pointed out that risk factors of dementia are low education at early age, excessive intake of alcohol, isolation of the brain, injury, genetic factors, among others.
Professor Akinyemi, therefore, advised people to take good care of their brain, avoid excessive intake of alcohol, engage in social activities, sleep well and eat foods that contain vegetables.
He enjoined government to create polices that protects the environment from air pollution, make education free as learning keeps the brain active, thus reducing the risk of dementia.
A consultant surgeon at University College Hospital UCH Ibadan, Dr Adefemi Afolabi has admonished patients to be truthful about their medical records such as age and other information to guard against preventable incidence in the hospital.
Dr Afolabi stated this on the occasion marking this year’s World Patient Safety Day organized by UCH at Ogunlesi Multipurpose Hall, UCH Ibadan.
The consultant surgeon who noted that patients’ safety in the hospital starts from when patients get to the security post of the facility where they are given proper direction on which ward to go, stressed that adequate knowledge to the facility would assist the patients in accessing proper treatment.
He called on nurses to be professional and bond with patients so as to get their maximum support for all safety.
Speaking in the same vein, Coordinator School of Occupation in Nursing UCH, Dr Pauline Gkobodian, emphasised the need for nurses to undergo training and retraining for them to be equipped with knowledge that would safeguard patients’ safety.
In her submission, Assistant Director Nursing UCH, Mrs Ganiyat Animasaun wants advocacy and protection from any form of infectious disease for patients by healthcare givers.
Also, Director of Nursing Services, UCH, Dr Patricia Anyanwu, who noted that several factors were militating against healthcare givers from providing optimal care to patients, stressed that healthcare professionals should always strive to overcome challenges for patient safety.
Earlier, in an address of welcome the Chief Medical Director UCH, Professor Jessie Otegbayo, represented by an Obstetric and Gynecologist, Professor Micheal Okunlola, urged all stakeholders in the hospital to support government efforts aimed at engaging patient safety and elevating the voice of patients at all levels.
Professor Otegbayo applauded UCH healthcare professionals for gearing the activities of the day towards raising national awareness on the issue of patient safety, in line with World Health Organization directives.
Some patients and care givers at the event appreciated UCH for providing them with good enabling environment for their safety.
Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, has called on the government at all levels to put an end to all forms of kidnapping in the country.
They made the call in a peaceful protest staged in Ibadan to mark fifty days since their colleague, a Professor of Neurology, Ekanem Phillip-Ephraim was kidnapped in her house in Calabar, Cross River State.
According to them, there has been no communication from the captors since she was abducted.
Speaking, the Vice Chairman, MDCAN, Oyo State Chapter, who spoke on behalf of the president, MDCAN, Dr. Victor Makanjuola, said this situation was uncalled for and needed urgent attention.
Earlier, Chief Medical Director, CMD, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, said providing an enabling environment for medical practitioners cannot be over-emphasized while urging the government to take drastic steps before it leads to further exodus of medical practitioners.
Radio Nigeria observed that the protesters wore a white ribbon on their arms to show their solidarity for their kidnapped member.
A fire outbreak has occurred at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, affecting Intensive Care Unit, ICU and a Theatre.
The incident which happened on Saturday morning has since been put out by the men of the fire services who swiftly swung into action after being called upon by the Authorities of the College Hospital.
Speaking on the fire incident, Chief Medical Director, UCH Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo said, patients who were on admission at the affected parts of the incident have been safely transferred to another place in continuation of their treatment.
Professor Otegbayo added that no casualty was recorded, stressing that no patient was trapped also in the fire incident, as against the reports in some quarters.
The Chief Medical Director assured the relatives of patients in the hospital that the Hospital remained committed to providing quality healthcare service delivery to the public.
Our Correspondent who visited the hospital reports that the affected parts of the building had been cordoned off.
Following the suspension of strike by resident doctors, normal activities have resumed at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
Our correspondent reports that patients were being attended to.
Two relatives of patients Mr Adebayo Akinade and Mrs Bolu Adeshina noted that if the present Government can keep attending to issues urgently, there would be no need for strike actions in the country.
The relatives said it would be a great thing if mass exodus of doctors can be stopped to avoid losing good hands in the country.
The president of NARD, Emeka Orji, had on earlier said the association decided to suspend the strike due to significant moves by the federal government to address its demands.
NARD had on July 26 this year declared a “total and indefinite strike action” following failure of Federal Government to meet theirdemands which included the immediate payment of the 2023 MRTF, the immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement, and the payment of skipping arrears.
However, the Association eventually called off the industrial action on 11 August, 2023.
A New technology called Atila Biosystems has been delivered to the Centre For Infectious Disease Institute, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan for diagnosis of Cervical Cancer especially through screening and testing of Human Papillomavirus, HPV.
The equipment which was the first HPV testing equipment in Nigeria was received as a grant from Northwestern University, Chicago.
Speaking during the delivery of the equipment, Former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, expressed confidence that the new HPV testing technology known as Atila Biosystems would help Nigeria to key into the international agenda of vaccinating women and girls against Cervical Cancer which is expected to take off next month.
The Former Minister said since the World Health Organization, WHO has mandated HPV test as a prerequisite for screening, Nigeria must prioritize the HPV testing.
Professor Adewole hinted that the first phase of the vaccination is expected to take off in sixteen states and second phase in fourteen states.
In an interview, the Director, Centre For Global Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Dr Lifang Hou explained that the best way to prevent Cervical Cancer was through early testing of Human Papillomavirus, HPV which usually comes with HIV.
Dr Lifang Hou said the Northwestern University would sustain the twenty five years old partnership with University of Ibadan to identify individuals that have HPV in fection.
The Principal investigator in the projects, Dr Oludare Morhason-Bello said the new Atila Biosystems equipment for HPV testing, is user friendly with low level involvement of laboratory services technology which will produce test results within an hour.
He said the overall benefits of the technology was the reduction of cervical cancer, urging women to present themselves for screening early at all times.
Relatives of patients on admission at the University College Hospital, UCH ,Ibadan have appealed to the authority and other stakeholders to urgently address the industrial action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, UCH branch.
The people made the appeal after the hospital ejected patients on admission due to the three weeks warning strike by the association.
One of them Mr kazeem Ayilara lamented that his mother was advised to seek medical care elsewhere due to the strike.
Speaking on the development , the President, National Association of Resident Doctors, UCH branch, Dr Abiodun Ogundipe explained that the strike was necessary following the failure of the hospital management to meet their demands.
He said part of the demands include payment of salaries of over two hundred and fifty doctors that were recruited in May this year.
Doctor Ogundipe added that the strike would continue at the expiration of the three weeks warning.
People living with disabilities in the country should be considered in decisions that border on various issues including climate change and health.
Speakers canvassed this at a symposium on Climate Change Health and Disability held at the College of Medicine, University College Hospital Ibadan,
Chairman of the occasion, who is the Grand Patron, Association of People Living with Disabilities, Oyo State Chapter, Professor Sabit Olagoke, said the impact of climate change was obvious globally due to industrialization and urbanization.
He explained that certain groups including People Living with Disabilities are disproportionately burdened by the effects of climate change.
Professor Olagoke said that People Living with Disabilities are often left out of plans meant to protect the rights of people to clean and healthy environment, most especially as it affects auditory and visually impaired persons.
In a paper entitled ‘Climate Change and Infectious Diseases’, Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, Ogun State Branch, Dr Kunle Ashimi, pointed out that People with Disabilities were faced with lots of adverse effects of climate ranging from flood disasters, drought, to lack of access to quality health care and poverty, which expose them to water borne diseases, besides difficulties to move from one place to another for safety.
Dr Ashimi called on government to render necessary assistance by empowering individuals with disabilities to become agents of change.
He noted that people with disabilities should not be marginalized but rather be involved in decision making over climate change as well as other matters that affect their wellbeing.
Earlier in an address of welcome, Head of Department of Physiotherapy College of Medicine UCH, Associate Professor Adesola Odole, said the Symposium would help to shed light on the critical intersection of climate change, health and disabilities with a focus on impact of climate change in Nigeria.
Associate Professor Odole explained that rising temperature, extreme weather conditions and environmental degradation have had severe consequences on health and well being, especially of individuals with disabilities, making it imperative to understand and address the unique challenges they faced.
The don, who equally stressed the need for people with disabilities to be involved in decisions over matters that affect them, urged governments to reduce cost of health care to facilitate their access good health care
National President, Joint National Association of Person with Disabilities, Aliyu Abdullahi, who said it was necessary to for government to put in place necessary measures to protect people with disabilities, appealed to the incoming government to include people with disabilities in governance for good representatives.
Chief Executive Officer, CEO, RHOWI, Hajiya Amina In her presentation said MGDs goals in 2023 states was designed to leave no one behind, noted that people with disabilities should be given equal rights in the society, saying if there was any decision that had to do with disasters, non involvement of people with Disabilities would amount to discrimination, and condemnable.
Two of the participants at the event, Opeyemi John and Magret Sunday said the Symposium had impacted positively on them .
Joint Health Workers Union, JOHESU and Assembly of Health Care Professionals, Senior Staff Association of Universities at Teaching Hospitals and Non-Accademic Staff Union, at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, have left their duty posts in compliance with an indefinite strike declared by the National body.
The indefinite downing of tools, according to the unions, was to press home their demands following inconsistency in the ongoing negotiations for the adjustment of the CONHESS salary scale for non-physician health cadres, including the implementation of service from 60 years to 65 years in service, among others
At UCH, Radio Nigeria saw JOHESU officials chasing members away from their duty posts, before shutting gates and laboratories.
In an interview, UCH Branch Chapter Medical and Health Workers Union, Mr Simeon Ibekwe said the aim of the indefinite strike was informed by the government’s disregard for the welfare of health workers, as the government had refused to accede to their demands.
Mr Ibekwe pointed out that if their demands were not granted, the strike would not be called off.
However, UCH Chief Medical Director Professor Jessie Otegbayo said the hospital was ensuring that essential services including accidents, emergency care intensive and children units were not affected by the industrial action and patients on ground were retained while some requested discharge.
Professor Otegbayo added that UCH had requested more security guards to maintain law and order.
Residents Doctors at University College Hospital Ibadan, UCH have left their duty post in compliance with the ongoing five-day warning strike declared by the National Association of Residents Doctors, NARD.
The reason behind the warning strike, according to the doctors, included manpower shortage, non-increment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Salary Structure, poor infrastructure, and nonpayment of the Medical Residency Training fund.
During a visit to the hospital, Radio Nigeria observed that some units of the Hospital such as Maternity, Casualty, and Out Patient, which normally record large turnout, were scanty.
Only a few consultants were on the ground attending to patients as doctors on call duty were not available.
In an interview, the President of the Association of Residents Doctors UCH, Dr Ogundipe Muyiwa, explained that the warning strike was inevitable following Federal Government’s refusal to call them to a round table over their demands.
Dr Ogundipe said doctors’ Consolidated Workers’ Salary was last reviewed in 2009, pointing out that they worked under poor conditions with few medical personnel, poor facilities, among other challenges.
He called on Federal Government to review its bureaucratic approach to issues raised, recruit more doctors and enhance the welfare of doctors.
Dr Ogundipe gave an assurance that if Federal Government acceded to NARD’s demands, the country’s health sector witness significant improvement.
The UCH NARD Chairman, who said that the health of the masses remained paramount to the association, appealed to the Federal Government to respond positively to their demands to put an end to the strike.
Some patients, who spoke with Radio Nigeria, urged governments to urgently resolve the disagreement with NARD to end the disruption of medical services.
The National Association of Residents Doctors last Wednesday declared a five-day warning strike following the Federal government’s refusal to address their demands.
The government will continue to address factors militating against healthcare delivery in the country.
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo made the affirmation during the inauguration of projects by the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
Professor Osinbajo explained that there were still gaps in the nation’s health delivery system, which he attributed to the quality of care available, equipment, and facilities as well as the disparity between the health budget and expenditure.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs), Dr. Adejoke Oorelope Adefulire described the project inaugurated at UCH Ibadan as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director, UCH, Professor Jesse Otegbayo in an address of welcome, described the inauguration of the project as a landmark in the over sixty-five years of the medical institution’s existence.
Professor Otegbayo who said the projects represented a significant contribution from the federal government, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs) Dr. Adejoke Oorelope Adefulire.
The UCH CMD, however, solicited the provision of more facilities and equipment from the Federal Government to further enhance the institution’s medical delivery.
Our correspondent reports that there were goodwill messages, from the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, and the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Teslim Folarin.
Federal Government will continue to consolidate its infrastructure drive in the quest to reposition the health sector.
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire expressed the resolve while inaugurating some projects at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
The projects included One In-Patient Mammogram Machine, One Out- Patient Mammogram Machine, a 64 Slice CT Machine, a state-of-the-art and fully equipped Molecular Laboratory, Nurse Tutors Practical Demonstration Building, other were Pressure Swing Absorption Oxygen Plant and two Autoclave Sterilizer.
Dr Ehanire explained that the 64 Slice CT Scanner would greatly enhance the hospital radio-diagnostic capabilities, while the In-Patient and Out-Patient Digital Mammography machines come with the latest 2D and 3D technology to detect breast diseases in women while still in early stages to improve survival chances in cancer patients.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the exodus of Health personnel from the country in the quest for greener pastures, Dr Ehanire maintained that the situation was not peculiar to Nigeria.
“This is not peculiar to Nigeria, It is a global phenomenon. There is huge mobility in the labour force – pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and doctors of all levels are moving.
I have heard officials of the United Kingdom complain that their doctors are moving to New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, where the pay is higher”
“I have seen Ghanaian ministers saying that their doctors are leaving. Even, the Gambia said their doctors are leaving for other countries.
So, it is a global phenomenon. That doesn’t mean it is not a problem. It is a problem for all countries, not only for us.
The countries that are wealthy are looking to improve their health services with cheaply acquired doctors trained in other countries.
And in many developed countries, there is nothing like free education at that level and it costs a lot to train doctors. But how are we trying to solve this problem? He said further.
According to the Health Minister, the exodus of health workers was not a recent phenomenon.
“It is true that we are suffering an exodus of health workers. First, I want to say it is not new. As far back as the 1990s, Nigerians were going to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other places. So, it is not a new thing. “
Dr Ehanire said that the Federal government had given health institutions directives to embark on a one-on-one replacement for health workers and medical personnel.
He, however, warned health institutions not to abuse the replacement process.
“I want to urge you all not to abuse this programme. If one doctor goes out, replace him with another of the same calibre.”
The Minister added that the Federal government was ready to accommodate Nigerians who are experts in the health sector but, had travelled out of the country for more than 10 to 20 years and would want to give back to the country to provide virtual lectures for students and staff in Nigeria.
Earlier, In an address of welcome The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jessie Otegbayo, commended the Federal Government, for improving facilities and creating a conducive place for research, training and clinical services in the health sector and UCH.
Professor Otegbayo said he was optimistic that the projects would “stem the tide of much talked about health tourism and brain drain in the health sector due to poor working environment.
The CMD implored Dr Ehanire to assist UCH by promptly addressing the problem of manpower shortage, through one-on-one replacement staff.
“I’m not unaware that you are already taking steps to address the issue.”
High points of the event were the presentation of a reappointment letter for another period of four years to the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital Ibadan at the board room of the teaching hospital, the presentation of an award to the Minister of Health and the inauguration of projects.
A 45-year-old woman, Eunice Owoloja, who is suffering from cancer of the uterus, has appealed to Nigerians to assist her in the payment of 400,000 naira needed for her treatment.
The woman, a single parent with six children made the appeal on her sick bed at Southwest 4, University College Hospital Ibadan.
The needed amount according to the hospital is to evacuate the uterus urgently before it spreads to other parts of her body.
Mrs Owoloja, in pain, said she had no one hence the need for the appeal.
for any assistance.
To assist Mrs Owoloja, Kindly pay to her daughter’s account: Owoloja Grace, Guaranty Trust Bank 0436556345
The beautiful story of the University College Hospital can’t be talked about without mentioning the iconic moment when Queen Elizabeth II came to declare open, the Hospital.
During her visit to Nigeria in the year 1956, on the 14th of February that same year, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by a host of other dignitaries graced the Hospital and declared it open to start delivering healthcare services. Though it was still under construction.
HRM Queen Elizabeth was a true gem to the entire world, also fostering a great union called the commonwealth. The way she held down the fort of monarchy for decades represented a holding forth of constitutionalism. She would forever stand as a symbol of continuity and she most definitely touched every part of the world.
Just as Queen Elizabeth stood as a symbol of continuity, this attribute further reflects in our great institution UCH as we continue to stand as one of the foremost teaching hospitals and healthcare delivery centres, in Nigeria and the World.
At the young age of 30 when HRM Queen Elizabeth came to visit Nigeria, the Hospital recalls two moments:
‘How the Queen was welcomed at the Hospital Ramp by Sir James Robertson, (the then Governor General of the Federal of Nigeria) and Sir Sydney Philipson, (the then Chairman of UCH Board of Management)
‘The moment when she walked with elegance about the floors of the School of Nursing building along with Prince Philip and accompanied by Sir Sydney Philipson, the then Chairman of UCH Board’.
These moments are forever framed at the Museum of the Hospital.
The University College Hospital sends her condolences to Great Britain and the Royal family for the loss of Queen Elizabeth II who ruled justly and also held down the fort of monarchy for decades. She will forever be remembered as such a strong figure in the iconic history and establishment of our great institution UCH IBADAN.
No fewer than seven persons were feared dead when an uncompleted four-storey hotel building collapsed in Ibadan.
It was gathered that the collapsed hotel building is adjacent to one of the new generation banks at Awosika, Bodija area of Ibadan.
An eyewitness said the incident happened around 5.45 am when the Muslim faithful were returning from early morning prayers.
The witness said rescue teams including people in the neighbourhood and passers-by were able to rescue seven persons who are currently receiving medical attention at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Report says a combined team of the state Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies are currently on ground working hard to remove the debris in search of other survivors.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed the incident, added that the site had since been cordoned off with adequate deployment of Police personnel in the interest of public health and safety.
The University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan has debunked claims that it collects N1000 from patients daily for electricity. The refutal is contained in an E-signed Statement by the Institution’s Director of Administration, S.O Oladejo. The Statement points out that the attention of the Management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan has been drawn to a publication in all sections of the media alleging that the Hospital charges N1,000.00 per patient daily for electricity. It clarrifies that that the memo being referred in respect of the N1000 daily claim from patients for electricity, was only an internal memo which was never implemented after UCH Management had undertaken a thorough review from internal mechanisms for such issues, with subsequent withdrawal of the said memo. UCH Management affirns in the Statement that at no point did the hospital charge electricity fee. It states further that the UCH Management is not oblivious of the fact that the said publication could have negative effect on patients, assuring the public that the hospital shall continue to deliver effective and efficient healthcare to Nigerians irrespective of status. The Statement categorically stresses that the University College Hospital, Ibadan does not turn back patients, and had on several occasions written off bills incurred by Indigent patients. The Management of UCH in the Statement appealed to the public to ignore the said publication, assuring that the hospital’s doors are always open for people to cross check on activities. PR/ Anthonia Akanji
Compatibility tests such as checking of genotype must be taken seriously and carried out before getting married to avoid resultant effects after the wedding.
Founder of a Non-Governmental Organisation on care and support for people living with sickle cell, Professor Adeyinka Falusi stated this at a free medical outreach for sickle cell patients at the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan.
Professor Falusi noted that Nigeria ranks first in the world on the prevalence chart of sickle cell disease thus advocating for the prevention of the disease which she said is far better than its management as the only way out which is bone marrow transplant is too expensive and of reach of many.
She noted that caring for people living with sickle cell Anemia had been quite challenging, saying “ at the top of the challenges is funding because the care of a person living with sickle cell anemia is very costly, they get to hospitals and they don’t have facilities needed for their care“
“Developed countries pay a huge amount to anyone who uses their precious time to assist people with ailments and Special needs”
Professor Falusi who is also a retired Professor of Hematology noted that her NGO which is a non-profit based, had empowered sickle cell patients and would not relent if she is assisted by kindhearted people and the government.
A participant, Mrs Kafayat Abiola who is a mother of a sickle cell patient enjoined people to patronize certified laboratories while carrying out the compatibility test as she is a victim of a wrong diagnosis.
Narrating her story Mrs Abiola said “ I’m a living victim of such wrong laboratory reading, I did my genotype test at a laboratory in Ibadan when I wanted to get married and unfortunately I was given a wrong result that I’m AA but was later called back that I’m AS”
“My husband went for a test too and the result given to him said he’s AA so we decided to go on with our wedding but when we started having children our third child has SS genotype, meaning my husband was given wrong test result too”
A pharmacist with the University College Hospital, Mariam Lawal who is a sickle cell patient urged patients with the disease not to be deterred to attain any height in life.
Mrs Lawal who despite her health status is a trained pharmacist urged people living with the disease to adhere strictly to safe health practices such as using their drugs regularly, avoiding walking in rain and drinking cold things.
