Alex Maiangwa, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Taraba State Specialist Hospital in Jalingo, recently shared concerns about the ongoing decline in hospital attendance across the state.
He pointed out that one of the primary reasons for this troubling development is the prevailing economic difficulties facing the country. In an exclusive interview on Friday in Jalingo, Mr. Maiangwa explained that the economic challenges are forcing people to seek alternative forms of healthcare, as they struggle to afford the costs of medical treatment in public hospitals.
He emphasized that the combination of rising economic pressures and reduced purchasing power has led many individuals to forgo higher-quality healthcare options in favor of more affordable, but often less effective, treatments like herbal medicine or traditional remedies. This shift away from formal healthcare, he believes, is directly contributing to the low number of patients currently visiting hospitals in the state.
Why There Is A Reduction in The Number of Patients
As a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, Mr. Maiangwa expressed his concerns about how these economic pressures are not only reducing the number of patients seeking care, but are also affecting the overall quality of healthcare services being provided. He explained that the financial strain on the population has made it difficult for many to access the level of care they need, with many opting for alternative treatments simply because they are more affordable.
In addition to the economic challenges, Mr. Maiangwa also addressed the impact of the recently introduced Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy by the state government. This policy has had significant repercussions on the day-to-day operations of public hospitals, as it now requires all funds generated by these institutions to be deposited into a central account. The policy means that hospitals no longer have immediate access to their own funds to cover expenses, a shift that has created substantial operational challenges for healthcare facilities, including the Taraba State Specialist Hospital.
While Mr. Maiangwa clarified that the hospital is not opposed to the TSA policy in principle, he voiced concern that it has created considerable constraints on the hospital’s ability to function smoothly. One of the most notable consequences of the TSA, according to the CMD, is the “out-of-stock syndrome” (OOS) that has become a widespread issue in public health centers. OOS occurs when essential medications or medical supplies are unavailable, creating significant gaps in patient care.
Mr. Maiangwa noted that the lack of access to hospital funds has made it more difficult for the hospital to maintain its supply of drugs and medical materials. In the past, the hospital had the flexibility to purchase what it needed directly, and even supplied materials to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC). However, the TSA policy has severely limited this ability, and securing basic supplies has become an ongoing struggle.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Maiangwa stated that efforts are underway to address these issues. The hospital management is actively reaching out to government officials to explore possible solutions and hopes that the government will reconsider some of its policies to allow more flexibility in the healthcare sector. He called for the government to recognize the urgency of the situation, stressing that much of the hospital’s ability to improve service delivery depends on the support of the state government.
Another critical issue raised by Mr. Maiangwa was the recurring problem of power outages, which have become an ongoing challenge for the hospital. The facility relies on diesel and solar energy to power essential medical equipment and services, such as those in its operating theatres and diagnostic centers. Mr. Maiangwa pointed out that these power disruptions pose a serious risk to patient care, especially in life-threatening situations where continuous power supply is critical.
Efforts of The State Government
On a positive note, Mr. Maiangwa acknowledged the efforts of Governor Agbo Kefas, who has visited the hospital personally to address these power issues. The governor has directed the installation of solar-powered lights in key areas of the hospital, including the accident and emergency unit, the children’s ward, and the maternity ward.
Additionally, one of the hospital’s operating theatres has been equipped with a 24-hour solar power supply, ensuring that it remains operational even during blackouts. Plans are also underway to extend solar power to the entire hospital, including the installation of solar streetlights along the hospital’s walkways. These steps are part of the broader effort to ensure the hospital can continue to operate smoothly, even in the face of power shortages.
Despite these improvements, the CMD noted that the hospital’s most significant challenge remains a shortage of skilled medical personnel. Even with the best medical equipment available, the hospital cannot function at full capacity without qualified specialists to operate the machinery.
The lack of adequate staffing in critical areas, Mr. Maiangwa explained, severely limits the hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality healthcare. He stressed that addressing this manpower shortage is essential for improving the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive care to the people of Taraba State.