Reps members propose employment of locum doctors in Nigeria
By Ahmed Ahmed
In its efforts to carry out its oversight function, the House of Representatives Committee on Health says it would proposed for permanent employment of locum doctors as vehement strategy to address Human Resource for Health in Nigeria.
The members of the House of Representatives committee on Health were in Bauchi State to monitor projects at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU TH).
A locum doctor is a medical professional who substitutes for a regular doctor for a period of time. These doctors might temporarily replace physicians who are either sick or on leave.
Speaking, Mr Amos Magaji, chairman of the Committee, said the inadequate human resources for health has posed challenges in healthcare delivery.
He disclosed that the house committee would conduct a public hearing next week in the Federal Capital Territory to determine whether to declare a state of emergency in the sector.
” We will ensure that locum doctors and other health workers are absorbed through employment in to the mainstream
” We will train more students by increasing training institutions for students to secure admissions and study medicine and other related courses.
” In six to seven years to come, the country will have a surplus of health personnel.
“ I will recommend that people come to ATBTH for medical devices because the have the facilities rather than going for medical tourism,” he added.
He commended the leadership of the teaching hospital and the staff for the executed projects such as the Molecular laboratory, Oxygen plants to mention but few.
Speaking, Dr Jibrin Yusuf, Chief Medical Director ( CMD),ATBU TH said that human resources have continued to pose challenges in the facility.
He solicited the support of the members of the Committee on issues around power supply to effective service delivery.
” We are currently on Band A and the last electricity bill we received was 50 Million; which is too high”, he said.
While appreciating the committee for the visit, the described such oversight as fundamental in financing and legislating on health care in the country.