The National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi Lagos (NOHIL) is facing a severe crisis as a significant number of its personnel leave Nigeria in pursuit of better working conditions abroad, leaving the institution struggling to provide essential services.
Recent years have seen Nigeria’s healthcare sector grappling with a substantial depletion of critical manpower, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “japa syndrome” in local parlance. NOHIL, being at the forefront of orthopaedic care and recognized as a center by the World Health Organization (WHO), is particularly affected by this trend.
The hospital is grappling with acute shortages of personnel across various departments and units, severely impacting its ability to cater to patients’ needs. Outpatients, unable to secure appointments for services such as X-rays or physiotherapy, are resorting to sleeping overnight within the hospital premises to increase their chances of being attended to.
One of the hardest-hit areas is the Radiology Unit, where a daily cap of 20 patients for X-rays is strictly enforced, leading to many being turned away. However, there are reports of favoritism, with some individuals gaining access to services through personal or financial connections.
The situation worsened when NOHIL’s X-ray machine broke down, causing an overwhelming demand for services at a private sector provider, Crestview Radiology Limited. Patients can only access these services with referral forms endorsed by NOHIL doctors.
Physiotherapists are also struggling to cope, limiting the number of patients they can attend to each day to ensure adequate care. For many patients, accessing these services has become a financial burden, exacerbated by the prevailing harsh economic conditions in Nigeria.
Despite the challenges, some patients, like a female outpatient from Ogun State, have resorted to overnight stays at the hospital to meet their appointments and reduce costs. This strategy, albeit unconventional, has proven effective for some in navigating the system.
The history of NOHIL dates back to its establishment as a Military Rehabilitation Camp for prisoners of war returning from the Second World War. Over the years, it has evolved into a premier orthopaedic institution, serving not only Nigeria but also other parts of the West African sub-region.
However, unless urgent measures are taken to address the exodus of personnel, NOHIL’s status as a premier health institution and its very existence are under threat. The japa syndrome not only undermines the hospital’s reputation but also poses a significant challenge to its ability to fulfill its mandate.
In conclusion, the plight of NOHIL highlights the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector and underscores the need for concerted efforts to retain skilled professionals and revitalize the country’s healthcare infrastructure.