The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on medical brain drain, citing the alarming migration of medical doctors from the country.
Addressing a press conference, NMA Chairman in Kaduna State, Dr. Madaki David Sheyin, revealed that over 15,000 Nigerian-trained medical doctors have left the country in search of better opportunities.
Dr. Sheyin identified poor remuneration, inadequate facilities, security challenges, and overstretched manpower as key factors contributing to the medical brain drain. He emphasized the need for a state of emergency to address these challenges.
“We have continually advocated for better funding for the health sector, but we’re grappling with dilapidated infrastructure, poor working conditions, and poor remuneration, which has worsened brain drain and manpower shortages,” Dr. Sheyin said.
The NMA Chairman also highlighted the security risks faced by healthcare workers, including kidnappings, and demanded the immediate rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a colleague kidnapped seven months ago.
Dr. Sheyin commended the Kaduna State Government for its efforts to address the challenges, but emphasized that more work needs to be done. He also called for the implementation of the new hazard allowance for healthcare workers and sustained payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund.
The NMA Chairman urged the state government to tackle medical quackery and ensure the full autonomy of the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital to address its lingering problems.
On the security situation, Dr. Sheyin expressed concern over the kidnappings of medical doctors and families, urging the government to intensify efforts to prevent such incidents.
The NMA is developing a security/kidnap prevention advisory for its members and has called on the Governor to intervene in securing Dr. Popoola’s release.
The NMA Chairman emphasized the need for collaboration to tackle the challenges in the healthcare system and ensure sustainable, quality healthcare delivery.
