Esther Salifu
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerian governments to enhance welfare packages for healthcare workers to curb the mass exodus of medical professionals, commonly referred to as the ‘Japa’ syndrome.
Speaking at the 44th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors in Abeokuta, Obasanjo emphasized the critical role of resident doctors in the nation’s healthcare system. Represented by Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, he stated, “Resident doctors constitute the bedrock of whatever medical services any country is offering its citizens, and Nigeria is not an exception.”
He highlighted the alarming rate at which Nigerian medical professionals are leaving the country due to inadequate working conditions and remuneration. “The rate at which the ‘Japa syndrome’ is affecting our health sector is alarming, as a lot of our sub-specialties are now under lock and key,” Obasanjo noted.
Obasanjo urged federal and state governments to prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers, stressing that improved incentives are essential to retain talent and ensure quality healthcare delivery. “It is very necessary for government at all levels to ensure that there are good welfare packages for doctors, without whom it will be impossible to render any meaningful service,” he added.
