The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Osun State Chapter, has urged the government to improve the welfare of doctors in Nigeria to discourage the ongoing emigration of medical professionals, popularly referred to as “japa syndrome.”
The call was made on Saturday by Dr. Adeniyi Fashanu, Chairman of NMA Osun, during a ‘Fitness Walk’ organized for doctors as part of activities marking the association’s Physicians Week.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Fashanu said better welfare packages would not only retain doctors in the country but also encourage those currently practicing abroad to return.
“Physicians Week is a time to celebrate and appreciate doctors for their service to humanity, which is often under-recognized. Doctors save lives, respond to emergencies, prevent diseases, and advise the government on policies to improve healthcare systems.
“However, the welfare of doctors in Nigeria is currently below standard. This is why we are advocating for improved welfare packages to enable doctors to stay in their home country and contribute more effectively to the nation’s healthcare system,” he said.
Dr. Fashanu noted that insufficient welfare packages are a key factor driving the mass exodus of Nigerian doctors.
In his remarks, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, Chief Medical Director of UniOsun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, acknowledged the state government’s efforts to support doctors but stressed that more needed to be done to address shortages.
“The present government has been very supportive of doctors, assisting us in many ways. However, there are still significant gaps in manpower and resources. A nation can only be healthy if its doctors are well cared for,” Dr. Afolabi said.
He added that the doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria remains far below World Health Organization (WHO) standards, resulting in overworked medical professionals.
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“We have had instances where doctors collapse from exhaustion and even die. The government must employ more doctors and prioritize their welfare to ensure the health of the nation,” he appealed.
The NMA Osun emphasized that addressing doctors’ welfare is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and curbing the brain drain of medical professionals.
