By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja
Photo credit: Google.
In a bid to strengthen healthcare services and foster industrial harmony, the management of the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, Kogi State, hosted its first-ever community stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday.
Our correspondent reports that the gathering aimed to promote open dialogue between hospital management, staff, union leaders, traditional institutions, and members of the local community.
Dr. O.O. Alabi, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FTH, addressed the meeting and emphasized the importance of collaborative discussions to improve hospital operations.
He said that the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to offer feedback on the hospital’s services and propose strategies for enhancement.
Dr. Alabi firmly rejected recent media reports claiming the hospital was suspending services.
He reassured attendees: “The Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja remains fully operational, with no interruption to any of our services. We have a dedicated team of 228 medical doctors, including 86 consultants, 42 medical officers, and several resident doctors—all committed to our mission.”
The CMD also clarified discrepancies in staffing figures, stating that contrary to reports, the hospital never employed 350 medical doctors as claimed..
He said that while the hospital would not shy away from the fact that some of its medical doctors have gone abroad for greener pastures,it is wrong to say that their departure has led to close down of the services of the health institution, adding that the hospital still employed some medical doctors.
He attributed the false narratives to certain staff members with disciplinary concerns, who, he said were spreading misleading information to the media.
On the issue of IPPIS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System), Dr. Alabi acknowledged the ongoing challenges but reassured stakeholders that proper procedures were being followed to address the situation.
He also stated that no staff members were owed salary arrears, although he confirmed that nurses were yet to receive their uniform allowances, adding that efforts to pay allowances to resident doctors were also underway.
Dr. Alabi, who expressed frustration at being labeled a “slave master,” defended his leadership, emphasizing that his administration was committed to the welfare of the hospital staff.
“I am misunderstood,” he said. “My goal is always to ensure the well-being of the staff and the successful operation of the hospital.”
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that regular dialogue between management and staff was crucial.
Many expressed optimism that these meetings would help resolve conflicts and generate new ideas to further improve healthcare services at the hospital.
They also stressed the hospital’s significance to the public, urging both management and staff to avoid turning internal issues into a “theatre of crisis.”
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to working together for the betterment of the hospital and the larger community.
