The outgoing Chief Medical Director of Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Professor Anas Sabir, has raised concerns over the impact of insecurity on healthcare delivery, revealing that some staff of the institution have relocated to areas they consider safer.
Speaking during an interview with Daily Trust, the CMD said insecurity, alongside the growing trend of brain drain, has contributed to manpower challenges in the hospital.
He said, ‘There is ongoing brain drain, especially with people going to Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. In addition to that, some prefer to move to other parts of the country, which they consider safer.’
He explained that the situation has led to a depletion of skilled personnel, further compounded by the recruitment of health workers by non-governmental organisations.
Despite the challenge, Sabir noted that the hospital has managed to sustain its workforce through its internal training programmes.
‘By the grace of God, we have training schools here. As others are leaving, if we get the necessary waivers, we are able to replace them. That has helped to stabilise the system, and the impact has not been felt as much,’ he said.
He added that the institution’s residency training programmes have also played a critical role in producing specialists to fill existing gaps.
The CMD, however, said insecurity is only one of several challenges facing the hospital, pointing to poor electricity supply as a major constraint affecting operations.
‘A hospital needs electricity 24 hours a day, and not just any electricity but stable, high-quality power because our equipment is very sensitive,’ he said, noting that erratic supply and high tariffs have increased operational costs.
Sabir also highlighted the problem of overcrowding, explaining that the tertiary hospital is often overwhelmed with patients, including cases meant for primary and secondary healthcare facilities.
‘As we are talking now, every case comes here – whether primary, secondary or tertiary. That is why sometimes you see patients on the floor because we cannot turn them back,’ he said.
Despite these challenges, he said the hospital recorded significant progress during his tenure, particularly in infrastructure and service delivery.
He listed key achievements to include the upgrade of critical units such as the Accident and Emergency department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and construction of new facilities, including wards, a molecular laboratory, and a brachytherapy centre.
The hospital also acquired modern equipment such as a radiotherapy machine, CT scan units, and advanced surgical tools, enabling it to handle complex procedures like open-heart surgery, neurosurgery, and renal transplants.
Sabir further noted that improved computerisation has enhanced accountability and efficiency in service delivery.