Lagos: The Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Health Institutions, Dr. Patrick Umoh, has announced that the Federal Government plans to hold a roundtable with stakeholders to tackle the issue of Japa syndrome before December 2025. This announcement came during the Committee’s Oversight Function visit to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Umoh emphasized the urgency of addressing the Japa syndrome, describing it as a pressing issue. He revealed plans for a national colloquium involving critical stakeholders aimed at improving the welfare of doctors to encourage them to remain in the country. Umoh outlined the government’s strategy to use legislative frameworks to enhance the system and provide incentives to motivate doctors to serve their country.
Dr. Umoh assured the committee’s commitment to supporting the growth of LUTH as a pioneering hospital serving Nigerians. He highlighted the importance of improving the hospital’s power supply and providing a reliable alternative power source. Commending the Chief Medical Director and hospital management, Umoh urged continued efforts to enhance infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Adeshola Adedayo, suggested that LUTH organize a ‘thank you’ program to appreciate partners and philanthropists who have supported the hospital. Such gestures, he noted, could encourage more collaborations and donations to improve healthcare services.
LUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Wasiu Adeyemo, expressed gratitude for the committee’s visit and highlighted the internal and external challenges posed by the Japa syndrome. He pointed out that many staff members were leaving for better remuneration at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), stressing the need for increased salaries and improved welfare to retain doctors.