Victoria Mbangwa
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a stark warning to all levels of government and healthcare employers, stressing that unless the welfare of medical doctors is urgently prioritized, the nation’s health sector risks further collapse due to the escalating wave of brain drain commonly referred to as the japa syndrome.
Speaking at a grand reception in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NMA President Prof. Bala Audu painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s health sector, highlighting that while the global shortage of medical professionals is undeniable, the government’s neglect of healthcare workers’ welfare is accelerating the country’s loss of talent.
“Shortage of medical doctors is not peculiar to Akwa Ibom State alone or Nigeria, in fact, the entire world is experiencing a shortage of medical workers.” Audu stated. “What I will advise is that employers of medical personnel including governments at all levels should prioritise the welfare of doctors in order to retain them.”
The reception, held at the Doctors’ Mess in Uyo, honoured newly appointed medical professionals in the state executive council, including commissioners and senior special assistants. Prof. Audu used the occasion to commend Governor Umo Eno’s health workforce retention policy, describing it as a bold step towards strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
However, Audu did not mince words in challenging the governor to take further action: “The personnel must be appropriate, the building must be adequate and the equipment must be correct and functional so that personnel working there will have what it takes to work and serve the people of the state.”
NMA Akwa Ibom State Chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, also weighed in, praising Governor Eno’s inclusion of three medical professionals in the state’s executive council, describing them as “ambassadors of the association.” He pledged full support from the association, noting that their joint community health initiative launched in March has already impacted rural lives positively.
“We will stand with you and stand with your principal Umo Eno to ensure that the welfare of medical personnel is taken to its zenith and the health of our people is guaranteed,” Peter declared.
