ABUTH to hire 518 health workers to address ‘japa syndrome.’
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria plans to hire 518 new health professionals to counteract the workforce shortages stemming from the migration of healthcare workers, commonly known as “japa syndrome.”
Prof. Ahmed Umdagas, the Chief Medical Director, shared this information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He explained that the hospital has been facing a deficit of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health personnel due to this exodus.
Umdagas noted that ABUTH received over 7,500 applications for the available positions but was authorized to recruit only 518 individuals.
“The recruitment process has been completed, and by the first quarter of 2025, we will have an additional 518 staff members,” he stated, emphasizing that this addition would significantly improve healthcare delivery at the facility.
He expressed confidence that this new group of employees would enhance health outcomes.
Additionally, over 460 staff members have participated in training programs, both locally and internationally, aimed at improving healthcare services.
Umdagas mentioned that such training initiatives would continue to expand in 2025 and highlighted recent training conducted by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to elevate patient care standards.
He also discussed ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders to strengthen the hospital’s capabilities, including a partnership with the University of Miami for ovarian cancer treatment.
This initiative involves research on 70 patients worldwide, with ABUTH evaluating 20 patients; ten patients will receive treatment in the Bahamas while the remaining 40 will be managed at the University of Miami.
The CMD reiterated ABUTH’s dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery through recruitment, training, and strategic partnerships aimed at addressing workforce challenges and improving patient outcomes.
