Dr Adesina Ismail, the President, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, has identified ‘family ties as a factor limiting him from relocating abroad – the japa culture.
Ismail said that some doctors staying behind not only had their immediate family, but also their aging parents, uncles or other relatives to take care of.
He decried that the Japa syndrome had really affected and is still affecting the healthcare system in Nigeria, saying that the situation had resulted to excessive workload for the available doctors.
Ismail debunked the misconception of the general belief that the “good hands” in the medical profession had all left the country.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, he said, “A lot of people say that the `good hands’ have gone, I strongly disagree with that, because, those of us that are behind, we are among the best as well, because from my undergraduate days, the records are there; I was the best in my set.
“But there are other issues holding some of us back like family ties among others.
“For instance; I have elderly parents. And just last week my Dad fell sick and I did everything possible to make sure he gets the proper treatment.
“Yes, I can leave with my wife and children but I cannot go with my parents, uncles and other relatives who mean a lot to me; if I should travel, who will take care of them?,” he asked.
