The Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Odetoyinbo, has called on governments at all levels to increase funding for the healthcare sector to reverse the trend of health workers fleeing abroad in search of greener pastures.
Odetoyinbo also appealed to Nigerian doctors and nurses to stay back and continue providing quality healthcare services to the people, despite the challenges of poor remuneration and inadequate infrastructure confronting the sector.
The Catholic Bishop made the appeal on Saturday during the celebration of the 130th anniversary of Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Odetoyinbo stressed the need for increased investment in the health sector to address the issues of poor infrastructure, lack of modern medical equipment, and low remuneration, which he said are contributing to the shortage of skilled manpower.
Addressing the issue of the exodus of healthcare workers to Europe and other parts of the world, Odetoyinbo said, “We are all affected in all ramifications, especially with our nurses and doctors. Though we have the College of Nursing, how many of them want to stay after training?
“We train them here, they do their practicals in our hospital, but when they graduate, they disappear. Even the Federal Government cannot retain them, and the private sector is not any better. That is the reality. It is affecting everyone, and it is so sad.
“We are appealing to our nurses and doctors to stay back and work because there is a lot of work here. Though the finances may not be adequate, there is still much to do. So, we are begging them to please stay, and we thank those who have remained committed to caring for the people.
“I also appeal to the government, both at the state and federal levels, to ensure increased funding for this critical sector.”
The clergyman commended Sacred Heart Hospital for its invaluable contributions to quality healthcare over the past 130 years, especially in the area of maternal health. He urged the staff and management of the hospital to remain dedicated to excellence in service delivery.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, also praised the hospital for its longstanding partnership with government-owned health facilities in delivering quality healthcare and training.
Abiodun described the hospital’s legacy as one marked by “selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice,” and assured that his administration would support the rehabilitation and development of the 130-year-old facility.
Earlier, the medical director of the hospital, Dr. Gregory Arifal,o emphasised the urgent need for government intervention to tackle insecurity and improve the welfare of healthcare workers in order to prevent further brain drain.
“Many Nigerians are losing hope for a better future and see other countries as more attractive. Unless the government begins to provide the necessary leadership, this trend will continue.
“We are training our doctors and nurses for foreign countries—not because we don’t need them here, but because they see no incentive to stay. The government must do more.
Security must be improved. Health workers should be well paid and provided with an enabling environment to do their jobs. Only then will we begin to see a change in attitude. Without that, it will be difficult”, he said.
Arifalo reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare and called on stakeholders to support efforts aimed at strengthening the health sector
