The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Ondo State has called for more support and involvement from all stakeholders to stop the increasing number of doctors leaving the country — a trend popularly called the ‘Japa syndrome’.
At the association’s 48th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held on Thursday in Akure, the NMA State Chairman, Dr. Abel Alonge, said that improving doctors’ welfare and salaries would help reduce the problem.
Alonge said, “In the past year, issues about doctors’ salaries and working conditions have become a top priority. Many discussions have been held with stakeholders at both national and state levels to improve doctors’ pay and benefits.”
“If these improvements happen, we believe it will reduce the number of doctors leaving the country. It will also attract more medical workers to Ondo State and help reduce the heavy workload doctors currently face here.”
He added that the government is already working on these issues and the results will begin to show soon.
Alonge also said that the NMA in Ondo State is preparing a proposal titled Road Map to Quality Health Care, which will be presented to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The proposal will support the state’s health plans.
The theme of the conference was Delivery of Quality Healthcare to the People of Ondo State in the Face of Dwindling Human Resources.
While declaring the event open, Governor Aiyedatiwa — represented by the state Health Commissioner, Dr. Banji Ajaka — admitted that the state has been affected by the mass exit of doctors.
He said, “We know the Japa syndrome isn’t only happening in Ondo State, but let’s talk about ourselves. We are short-staffed. Many doctors are leaving. Luckily, we can still train more doctors.”
“We have the University of Medical Sciences, Achievers University, and now FUTA, all producing doctors and health workers. So we’re hopeful. But the main challenge is keeping them here. To do that, we must offer good pay, allowances, and welfare packages — and we are working on this.”
He added, “Right now, our salary scale matches the federal government’s. Thanks to the Governor, we are trying to make sure our benefits are not less than what federal doctors get. We may have small challenges, but we’re addressing them. The hazard allowance is already being paid.”
The commissioner also admitted that doctors are overworked in many health facilities. He pleaded with them to stay committed so people in the state can continue to receive affordable and quality healthcare. He also mentioned that the government is implementing a health insurance scheme to ease financial burdens in the health sector.
Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion and former lawmaker, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, urged the state government to increase doctors’ salaries beyond the federal level.
“Let the state create a new salary scale higher than that of the Federal Government. Even if it’s just 20% more, doctors will come back,” Ayorinde said.
