The Zamfara state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for urgent government intervention to address brain drain, popularity known as the “Japa Syndrome.”
The state’s NMA Vice-Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Jibril, made the call at a news conference to mark the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the association in the state on Wednesday.
The theme of the annual conference is “Zamfara State and Twin Tragedy of Insecurity and Medical Brain Drain; The Nexus and Way Out.”
The AGM is the highest congregation of the NMA, also where new state executives of the association will be elected to steer its affairs for the next two years.
Jibril, therefore, said that the twin problems of insecurity and brain drain are causing serious setbacks to the health sector in Zamfara state.
He added that “the Japa Syndrome and security situation in the state is getting worse by the day and has overwhelmed the already fragile health system.
“It has greatly affected the state’s healthcare sector in a negative way.”
He noted that the theme of the association’s 2024 AGM was carefully chosen to brainstorm on how best to tackle the most daring tragedy in the healthcare sector in Nigeria, which is the medical brain drain popularly known as Japa Syndrome.
“The security situation made highly skilled medical professionals to leave the state, while many others have left the country for other countries.
“Recently, 10 medical doctors left the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital (ASYBSH) Gusau, owned by the state government to the federal service.
“In Zamfara, the Japa Syndrome is complicated by ravaging insecurity.”
According to him, the sub-theme of the NMA conference is on how to prevent perennial cholera outbreaks in Zamfara state through a multi-sectoral approach.
He explained that the choice of the sub-theme followed the yearly battle with the cholera outbreak, with its attendant consequences.
He said “We wish to acknowledge the giant steps being taken by Gov. Dauda Lawal to reposition the health sector, with recent renovation and upgrade of hospitals in the state.
“We are particularly happy with the decision to renovate and equip the ASYBSH, Gusau, with modern equipment.
“We are appealing to the Federal Government to as a matter of priority, intensify the fight against banditry.”
NAN
