Crisis in healthcare: What govt can do to stop mass migration of doctors — NMA, NARD, AMLSN, others
By Ige Sunday
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, among others, yesterday raised alarm over increasing migration of medical professionals abroad, warning that the development, popularly known as Japa syndrome, is putting too much pressure on the healthcare system.
To rescue the country from the syndrome, which has led to the near collapse of the country’s healthcare system, the professional bodies also charted a way forward for the government.
President of NARD, Dr Tope Osundara, who raised the alarm at the opening of the association’s 45th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Katsina yesterday, noted that the number of resident doctors in the country had dropped from about 15,000 in 2014 to roughly 8,000 this year.
He said: “The constant quest for better living conditions always drives migration. Migration in Nigeria is fuelled by factors such as poor remuneration, exhaustive working conditions, and a shortage of manpower, which we have witnessed in an unprecedented way.
‘’The exodus of health workers has potentially increased the percentage of critically ill patients, with an inadequate healthcare workforce to cater for their health needs.
“Policies on incentives, salaries, wages should strengthen the morale of health workers, reduce attrition, and align with organisational goals. Training should also be targeted at enhancing employee skill, confidence, and dedication.
‘’For over a decade, there was no attempt through a collective bargaining agreement to enhance the salaries of medical doctors in Nigeria.
“It has been noted that the strongest reward to motivate health workers in Nigeria is payment of salary and other financial incentives.”
While appreciating members of NARD for being able to navigate all of the challenges, Dr Osundare said further: “I’m proud to say to you, thank you, everyone, for your dedication and hard work, which has enabled us to navigate all of these challenges.
“Looking back on my time as your president, it is evident that we have made giant strides in enhancing the welfare of Nardites.’’
The association said it will reconvene on September 26 during its Annual General Meeting to decide on resuming the industrial action.
Osundare said the decision was reached to show goodwill to Nigerians and to allow government time to address lingering welfare issues affecting doctors.
“It is because we want, having negotiated with us, to give government ample time to perfect their plans in addressing all the other concerns.
“Our members felt that since we have also extended a friendly hand, we should extend a hand of goodwill, especially to the Nigerian populace, who are grappling with harsh economic conditions, alongside the challenges they face.”
He said the doctors were not backing down on their demands but only suspended action temporarily.
On its part, the Nigeria Medical Association, Lagos State chapter, outlined key measures government must adopt to stem the exodus of doctors.
The chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, said: “There are four major things government can do to stop the Japa Syndrome. First, improve remuneration through upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS, professional allowances, and implementation of non-taxable call duty allowances.
“Second, provide better welfare packages, including housing loans spread over 10–15 years and car loans over five years.
“Third, invest in the training and re-training of doctors locally and abroad. Fourth, improve infrastructure and create a conducive working environment.”
He stressed that conducive conditions from call rooms, consulting rooms, theatres, and offices to welfare and empathy for professionals were just as important as salary increases in retaining doctors.
Across the board, health professionals warned that Nigeria cannot continue subsidising foreign health systems with its scarce human resources.
They urged government to prioritise fair pay, improved welfare, infrastructure investment, inclusive leadership, and regulatory reforms to stop the brain drain.
VANGUARD