The Federal Capital Territory Administration has announced that the revitalized 2024 budget, proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is poised to trigger a remarkable 61% surge in the region’s healthcare provisions, aiming to combat the brain drain phenomenon, commonly referred to as ‘Japa’ syndrome.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Secretary of the Health and Human Services Secretariat at FCTA, revealed this significant development during a scientific conference held by the Association of Resident Doctors FCTA in Abuja. Dr. Fasawe emphasized that the 27.5 trillion Naira budget, aptly named ‘renewed hope’, will catalyze substantial infrastructural advancements within the FCT’s healthcare landscape, ultimately fostering enhanced well-being for all medical practitioners and healthcare workers.
“This budget marks a substantial escalation from its predecessor. We anticipate that this will culminate in a 61% upsurge in our healthcare metrics, infusion of state-of-the-art medical apparatus in our hospitals, and an augmented capacity to onboard more doctors within FCTA. Our strategy entails promptly filling in for every departing doctor, while simultaneously catering to the influx of aspiring medical professionals. Often, individuals opt to leave not solely due to remuneration or working conditions but owing to inadequate medical equipment availability. We are optimistic that the amplified budgetary provisions, coupled with the deployment of cutting-edge equipment and the expansion of healthcare facilities, will mitigate the ‘Japa’ syndrome,” Dr. Fasawe affirmed.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents FCT under the Labour Party (LP), passionately implored the medical fraternity in Abuja to refrain from relocating overseas. Speaking through Juliet Essien, a distinguished clinician, Senator Ireti underscored the unwavering commitment to bolstering the region’s healthcare allocation:
“Let’s remain in Nigeria; together, we can rejuvenate our nation,” urged Senator Ireti.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rahman Olayinka, the President of ARD, FCTA, advocated for an official declaration of a health sector state of emergency by the government.
Following President Tinubu’s presentation of the 2024 budget to the National Assembly, a comprehensive breakdown unveiled an allocation of 1.33 trillion Naira for the nation’s healthcare sector, representing 5% of the total budget.
Simultaneously, in a parallel development, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, set forth a 61.6 billion Naira proposal to the lawmakers.
The recalibration of the 2024 budget, particularly its significant augmentation in healthcare appropriations, bears testimony to the resolute commitment to fortify FCT’s medical infrastructure and combat the ‘Japa’ syndrome, thereby engendering a transformative paradigm shift within the region’s healthcare milieu.
