ABUJA, NIGERIA — The newly elected president of the Nigerian Medical Association has called for urgent improvements in the welfare, security, and working conditions of medical practitioners in Nigeria amid rising concerns over brain drain in the health sector.
The appeal comes at a time when many Nigerian doctors are reportedly leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, a trend commonly referred to as “Japa.”
The NMA leadership warned that the continued migration of medical professionals is weakening Nigeria’s healthcare system and increasing pressure on remaining practitioners.
According to the association, poor remuneration, inadequate hospital facilities, and unsafe working environments are key factors driving doctors out of the country.
The president stressed that improving welfare packages is essential to retaining skilled medical personnel and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.
He also highlighted the need for improved security in hospitals, especially in emergency and high-risk departments where doctors are frequently exposed to threats.
Medical professionals in Nigeria have repeatedly called for government intervention to address staffing shortages and infrastructure decay in public health institutions.
Health experts say the doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria remains far below international standards, worsening patient care outcomes.
The association urged federal and state governments to prioritise healthcare funding as part of broader national development strategies.
Stakeholders believe that without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks deeper shortages of medical personnel in critical areas such as surgery, internal medicine, and emergency care.
The NMA also called for structured incentives to encourage doctors to remain in the country and to attract those already working abroad to return.
Healthcare analysts note that migration trends among professionals have intensified in recent years due to economic challenges and better opportunities overseas.
The association emphasised that investment in healthcare infrastructure is as important as improving salaries for medical workers.
Public health observers warn that sustained brain drain could lead to increased mortality rates and reduced access to quality healthcare services.
The NMA president urged policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue with medical professionals to address longstanding grievances.
He also called for reforms in training, recruitment, and retention policies within the health sector.
Government officials have previously acknowledged the challenges facing the health system but say efforts are ongoing to improve conditions.
Attention now shifts to whether new policy measures will be introduced to address the growing exodus of Nigerian doctors.
