Health Unions Deny Reports of Crisis at Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have dismissed reports of a crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL). The clarification follows a protest by some doctors demanding the reinstatement of the sacked President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the hospital. Speaking to journalists on Monday, JOHESU Chairman, Comrade Umoche Enefola John, refuted claims that the hospital is in turmoil, describing the allegations as misleading and detrimental to both the institution and Kogi State residents. He emphasized that hospital decisions are made by top management in line with public service rules and warned against actions that could disrupt harmony among staff. Similarly, NANNM Chairman, Comrade Abdulmalik Idris, dismissed claims that the hospital is understaffed, stating that FTHL has a total of 228 doctors, including 86 consultants and 49 resident doctors. Dr. Lawal Muhammed, a Consultant Clinical Pharmacist and Chairman of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria, also debunked the reports, insisting they do not reflect the hospital’s true situation. The unions urged the public to disregard rumors of a crisis, attributing the claims to an attempt to undermine the administration’s progress.