By Samuel Sunday
The outgoing Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital FETHI, Ido-Ekiti, Professor Ebenezer Adekunle Ajayi, has described brain drain as a national crisis requiring improved welfare and other incentives.
The CMD who described his tenure as a period of resilience and transformation stated this on Tuesday while addressing newsmen during a valedictory media chat organised by the Management in his honour at the hospital in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Reflecting on his eight years of reforms, stability, and institutional renewal, Professor Ajayi who noted that without staff, there is no service and that without patients, the work becomes meaningless, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Health, the Hospital Management Board, and the traditional ruler of the community for the support given to him throughout the period of his tenure.
Ajayi, a medical expert and an administrator per excellence, recalls taking over in 2018 at a time the hospital was plagued by staff disaffection, welfare disputes, procurement controversies, leadership rivalries, and financial instability. He explained that his vision for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare guided every decision of his administration.
Stressing that his team deliberately chose “reform over retreat,” restoring integrity, discipline, and confidence in the system.
Recounting his achievements, the don remarked that all staff promotions were fully updated saying over 300 workers were upgraded. Adding that more than 1,400 personnel were recruited despite nationwide brain drain challenges.
Speaking further, the CMD said salaries and allowances were always paid promptly, while the rural posting allowance suspended in many institutions was restored at FTH Ido.
“Timely payment is motivation, not just the administration,” he said.
On capacity building, Prof. Ajayi revealed that over 300 health attendants underwent a two-year training supported with 50% tuition sponsorship. He pointed out that many nurses now hold university degrees, while several staff members progressed to Master’s and PhD levels.
Noting that transparency builds trust, while emphasizing his open-door leadership style, Professor Kunle Ajayi remarked that he didn’t keep armed security for eight years of his tenure
The CMD also highlighted major infrastructural improvements that took place under his leadership to include the renovated children’s ward, specialist clinic, community health building, boardroom, and mini-conference hall, alongside newly constructed adult and child emergency units, a therapy building, and a 70-seater conference hall which according to him were all sponsored by government.
The FETHI helmsman stressed that the hospital’s priority was building sustainable systems. “We are not building individuals; we are building systems that will outlast us,” he stated.
He further disclosed improvements in procurement and financial compliance, revealing that 10 staff members earned procurement certifications and that all financial reports were submitted to the Auditor-General with no pending queries.
He also praised the hospital’s partnerships with ABUAD, FUOYE, and other institutions, noting that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital never shut down due to staff dedication.
Prof. Ajayi urged the incoming management to strengthen existing systems, warning that processes can collapse if not constantly improved.
On medical tourism, he argued that capacity exists locally but patient preference remains an issue. “When our hospitals become undeniably reliable, preference will return home,” he said.
Senior officials in attendance including Dr. Olagoke Erinomo, the CMAC, commended the CMD for leaving behind a stable and progressive institution
