The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has called for urgent government intervention to address the alarming rate of healthcare workers migrating overseas, known as the “Japa syndrome,” as well as pressing security concerns.
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This call was made during a press conference with Journalists in Abuja, the nations capital after its 64th Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting ( AGSC/DM) Calabar Southern Nigeria from May 6th to 12th, 2024.
In his address, the newly elected NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, highlighted the severe shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is already experiencing a catastrophic shortage of human resources for health due to the alarming rate of migration of healthcare workers to overseas,” he said.
The conference themed: “Reversing the Trend of Health Sector Brain Drain: Youth and ICT in Medical Practice,” attributed this exodus to poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, protracted insecurity, low standards of living, and insufficient funding for the health system. These factors have collectively made the local healthcare environment untenable for many professionals.
Professor Audu emphasized the dire economic conditions impacting Nigerians, citing the geometric surge in consumer prices, instability in exchange rates, and the growing number of multi-dimensionally poor Nigerians, which now exceeds 100 million according to the World Bank.
“The prevailing economic crisis has led to the complete obliteration of the middle class, causing heightened extreme hunger and suffering,” he added.
The NMA also raised concerns about the safety of healthcare workers, who are frequently targeted for violence and kidnapping in their workplaces.
“Despite the tremendous efforts made by healthcare workers to deliver health services to Nigerians, they are still violently assaulted and kidnapped in their workplaces,” he noted.
The association lamented the inability of the government to secure the release of healthcare workers still held in captivity and urged immediate action to ensure their safety.
“The increasing rate of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and the killing of innocent Nigerians has instilled palpable fear among citizens, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis,” he said.
Prof. Audu said the conference also addressed the impact of pharmaceutical companies exiting Nigeria due to a challenging business environment, caused by Naira devaluation and foreign exchange scarcity.
“This exodus has resulted in drug shortages, price hikes, and job losses, raising serious concerns about future access to essential medicines.”
In response to these challenges, the NMA urged the government to prioritize healthcare funding.
“There is a pressing need to improve security within and around health facilities, enhance access to social amenities, and provide increased opportunities for doctors.
“These measures are deemed critical to reversing the ongoing brain drain,” he added.
Furthermore, the NMA called for the government to implement social intervention strategies to alleviate hunger and harsh economic conditions in the country. They also appealed for improved business conditions to retain pharmaceutical and multinational companies in Nigeria.
Prof. Audu acknowledged the efforts of certain state governors in addressing healthcare worker concerns. Commendations were directed at the governors of Ekiti, Rivers, and Ebonyi States for their proactive measures in clearing salary arrears and enhancing the welfare of medical professionals.
In a tragic note, the NMA conference mourned the sudden death of Mr. Mazie Emeka, the head of administration at the NMA national secretariat, who had served the association for 19 years.
His contribution to the NMA was deeply appreciated by all attendees.
The climax of the conference was the election and inauguration of the new National Officers Committee for the 2024-2026 term. Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, a distinguished professor of obstetrics and gynecology, was elected as the 32nd NMA President. Other elected officers include Dr. Benjamin J. Bucha as Vice President, and Dr. Oluwatosin I. Ajayi as Secretary General.
Professor Audu expressed gratitude to the local organizing committee and sponsors for their contributions to the successful hosting of the conference. “Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who partnered with us to make this historic AGC/DM a great success,” he added.
