In a statement released on October 14, 2024, the hospital administration informed that prospective residents must pay this fee, labeled as an "Annual Maintenance Charge." This decision has sparked considerable backlash within the medical community, with many expressing concerns about the financial strain it places on newly appointed medical professionals.
The management clarified that "prospective occupants are required to pay an Annual Maintenance Charge of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) and provide proof of payment to the Estate Unit."
This fee is non-negotiable, and any failure to comply with this requirement will result in unauthorized occupancy.
Nigerian doctors have voiced their objections to this policy, urging for a reassessment. A post from the account @Nigerian_Doctor on X highlighted the potential negative effects of this charge on new House Officers. Historically, accommodation at UCTH, similar to other federal hospitals, has been included as part of the employment benefits provided by the government.
"This hospital is funded by the Federal Government, and accommodation is intended to be a complimentary benefit for House Officers, just as it is in other hospitals. It is unjust to require new employees to pay N200,000 before they have even received their first salary," the post remarked.
The doctors have suggested that the fee be deducted monthly from their salaries to alleviate the financial pressure, but this proposal was rejected by the hospital management, leaving many new doctors in a difficult position.
“We plead for an urgent investigation into this accommodation allocation fee, if not sanctioned by the Federal Government.
“However, if UCTH is following ‘order from above’, we plead for consideration of monthly deductions,“the statement reads.
The management of UCTH has issued a statement clarifying that the accommodation fee is fixed and non-negotiable. If payment is not completed within the 24-hour approval period, the new doctors will be classified as illegal tenants.
Prior to making any payment, doctors are required to secure approval, which remains valid for only 24 hours. Once they provide proof of payment to the Estate Unit, they will receive an allocation letter that grants them full rights to occupy their designated room.
Prospective residents must pay an Annual Maintenance Charge of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) and submit proof of this payment to the Estate Unit. The statement also highlighted that the Estate Unit is tasked with enforcing accommodation regulations, including the power to evict any doctor who misuses the housing facilities.
According to the statement, there is an Estate Office located within the House Officers’ Quarter, staffed by members of the Estate Unit. Doctors are required to return their keys at the conclusion of their 12-month tenancy, or they may incur additional penalties.
The implementation of this fee has sparked demands for an investigation to determine whether it has been approved by the Federal Government or if it is solely a decision made by the hospital's management.
Numerous members of the medical community are urging prominent healthcare authorities, such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Federal Ministry of Health, to promptly assess this policy.
This situation has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of new doctors in Nigeria's healthcare system, highlighting the necessity for policies that provide support rather than impose additional burdens as they embark on their professional journeys.